Willie C. Reagan, Bill (American B.1939), is one of the most fascinating of the Florida Highwaymen. His work is much less common than most of the others, and certainly always sought. We have included a biography at the end of the listing.

This large and impressive painting is unique and very special. It was a commissioned work in 1966, and his work is superb. The location is not common in the Highwaymen paintings. A marvelous offering that depicts a park in Melbourne, Florida, (Ballard Park), that is situated on the Indian River Lagoon and the Eau Gallie River.

Country of Origin: U. S. A.

Artist: Willie C. Reagan, "Bill" (American b. 1939).

Medium: Oil Paint on Upson Board.

Size: 24 by 36 inches; framed 28 by 40 inches.

Signed: Lower Right.

Condition: Very Good.

Circa: 1966.

Authentication: ALL of our Highwaymen paintings have been authenticated by the recognized authority on Highwaymen paintings, Mr.Paul Barratini.

Please note that the physical colors of this item may vary from the pictures in the listing, given the quality of the camera, the lighting and the background used.

Willie C. Reagan, “Bill”, (American, b. 1939) is a native Floridian. His youth was a creative period in which he discovered his love of art.
When he graduated from Gifford High School, he earned a four year scholarship to Florida A&M University, and graduated in 1963 with a B.A. in Art Education. He taught art in Savannah, Georgia for about a year. He met his future wife there, and following two years of service in the U. S. Army, he married Don deLora and eventually had two children, Darrin and Joy.

Bill returned to Gifford, Florida, where he taught art in the Indian River County school system. He was reunited with childhood friends George and Ellis Buckner and Alphonso Moran. It was then that his passion to create art re-emerged, and he began painting on a regular basis. His talent soon brought many clients buying his art. He eventually retired from teaching after 30 years.

He was inspired by the book written by Gary Monroe, "The Highwaymen: Florida's African-American Landscape Painters." Bill realized that the passion he felt for his art would govern his life from then on. This newly re-ignited self-recognized passion inspired Bill to visit Paris, France, along with his wife and family. A trip to the “Musee du Louvre”allowed him to view “up close and personal” the works of such historically significant artists as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.

When he returned to the U.S. he had a very strong commitment to attempt to become the premier Highwayman in the State of Florida, Bill completely focused his energy and life on his painting. His anticipated retirement allowed him the time necessary for his creativity to be nurtured and enjoyed. Finally, after a twenty-two year hiatus, Bill was once again painting, with his heartfelt love of the art and the natural beauty of Florida.

Many art lovers and experts feel that he attained his desire to be the Premier Florida Highwayman, and his following has competed to buy the Willie Reagan paintings that come around too rarely.