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Charles "Chico" Wheeler (1946-2019)
Charles "Chico" Wheeler, born in 1945 in Fort Pierce, Florida, grew up in a community rich with artistic talent. His early life was marked by a strong connection to the natural beauty of Florida, which would later become the central theme of his artwork. Wheeler's journey into painting began in the mid-1960s when he started making frames for Alfred Hair, one of the founding members of the Florida Highwaymen. His friendship with Livingston Roberts, another prominent Highwayman, further influenced his artistic development. Wheeler learned to paint by observing these artists, and he soon began creating his own vibrant landscapes.
Wheeler's work is distinguished by its unique blend of traditional Highwaymen scenes and everyday life depictions. While he painted the iconic Floridian landscapes of sunsets, palm trees, and coastal views, he also included figures engaged in daily activities, such as picking oranges or walking down dirt roads. This approach gave his paintings a lived-in quality that set them apart from those of his peers. His use of bold colors and dynamic compositions brought a sense of movement and life to his work, making his pieces highly sought-after by collectors.
Despite his success, Wheeler remained a private individual throughout his life. He continued to pain and sell his artwork along Florida's highways, maintaining a connection to the grassroots origins of the Highwaymen. In 2004, he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the state's cultural heritage. Wheeler passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of richly detailed and evocative paintings that capture the essence of Florida's landscapes and the spirit of its people.