Ellis Buckner (1943 - 1991) American
Oil on Canvas
Measure 9"in H x 12"in W and 12 3/4"in H x 15 3/4"in W with frame

Known for: Regional landscape and seascape painting, Highwayman artist
Biography: Born in the African American section of Vero Beach called Gifford, Ellis was born the second oldest of twelve children. One of his brothers drowned at a young age. The family was close-knit, and religious education was highly valued. Ellis’ mother, Gladys, was a good cook and he often helped her in the kitchen. Like his brother George, who was a year older, Ellis dropped out of school to help support his family after his father died. His formal education, therefore, was limited to the ninth grade. Even before that time, his school attendance was sporadic. When Ellis and George played hooky from school, their father wouldn’t have them idling away their day. He took them to the groves to pick fruit. He figured if they weren’t getting an education, they could still help support the family. When he was young, Ellis’ brother George bought him a painting set for $10 and he painted his first picture, a seascape, in his family’s backyard. His mother sold it for $25 to a lady whose house she cleaned. Years later, as Ellis was improving as an artist, he was troubled about the poor quality of that painting. Feeling badly about the sale, he brought the lady one of his more accomplished paintings. Ellis and George were introduced to the idea of painting professionally by Harold Newton, who they saw painting one day in Gifford. Harold told the brothers that he, Alfred Hair, and others were making good ?money selling their artwork. Livingston Roberts was also making money selling landscape paintings. He lived nearby in a rental, over Club Bally in Gifford, and often came to their barbecue shop to purchase sandwiches. Ellis and George were intrigued with the work that Harold and Livingston were doing, so they stopped picking oranges and learned to paint. Ellis figured that if he could earn even a portion of what Harold was making, he’d be doing well. He told a reporter, “Fifty dollars could buy seven bags of groceries.” Not only was the money attractive, the flexible lifestyle that came with being one’s own boss was highly appealing. Harold gave the Buckner brothers some quick painting lessons and they began to visit Livingston who offered a few tips. Then they began experimenting. They continued to watch Harold and Livingston paint and went to visit Bean Backus in his studio to learn all they could. In keeping with the way he was raised, Ellis had a strong belief in God. He was an active member of a Gifford Pentecostal church, where his brother Jack was the minister and he had the role of elder minister. George played the keyboard and Ellis sang and played the baritone during services. He spent long hours working as an evangelist. When he got sick with diabetes, he believed that God’s grace would heal him. In 1991 at age fifty-eight, George died of complications related to diabetes. He did not live long enough to see the revival of interest in the Highwaymen. But as a strong believer in God’s will, he understood that when he was called from this earth, it was time to go. Ellis Buckner, Jr., continues his father’s legacy as a painter. Much of Ellis’ work has a sense of stillness to it and his color palette is more realistic than many of the other Highwaymen works. He liked placing birds in his landscapes and carefully depicted reflections in the water. George may have been the better painter, but a quality landscape by Ellis Buckner can easily move the spirit in appreciation of nature’s beauty.

All lots offered are sold "As Is"

For condition report please contact our auction house via email info.coralgablesauction@yahoo.com

Any lots which remain on Coral Gables Auction premises longer than 30 business days following the sale will incur a charge for storage and handling of $5.00 per day for each lot. All paid items left after 3 months will be considered abandoned property and properly disposed of

Important Message Regarding Payments : All invoices that exceed the amount of $ 2000 including the buyer premium, must make the payment through check or wire transfer, if we receive the payment through the platform, the money will be reimbursed automatically to your card

Coral Gables Auction strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder

Statements by Coral Gables Auction regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only And should Not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do Not constitute a representation, warranty, Or assumption of liability by Coral Gables Auction