Master Works: The Best of the Best of A. E. Backus

An essay by Sherrie Johnson, professional artist, curator of “The Backus School” exhibit, Backus author, Backus expert and former eight-year Backus student.

“He captures the feeling of Florida’ is the headline quote of Dick Capen from the Miami Herald Viewpoints article written Sunday, November 15, 1987. That statement remains a proven fact today, twenty-some-odd years later. “Beanie Backus paintings had and still have that obvious, unique expressive quality. A. E. Beanie” Backus produced art that is pure, brilliant, immediate with an accuracy for the subject and an artistic talent undeniable and rare. His art continually elicits a profound emotional impact on the people who see it.

This collection features some of the best examples of Backus’s inspired and energetic use of brush and an unparalleled execution with a palette knife. The collection also showcases Backus’ masterful knowledge of color, composition, and eye-catching, detailed weather conditions. His lifelong and intimate knowledge of the geographical locations coupled with his uncanny ability to capture a moment in time, faithfully recording what he saw and felt, allowing the viewer to see and feel that particular moment years later. The collection also shows a wide range of diversity, highlighting Edward and Deborah’s keen, educated, and sophisticated sense of fine art. Their passion for Backus’ art is likened to a visual feast. Viewing these outstanding pieces of art is as satisfying as a gourmet meal in a world-class restaurant, where attention is paid to every detail from the time you enter the door to the final satisfied exit.

Edward and Deborah Pollack never knew Beanie Backus personally. However, his artistic genius is captured on canvas. This collection is of their own handpicked favorites, which they chose because their trained eyes recognized the visual fine art value immediately. Their personal quest to acquire the best of the best of Backus is concretely evident in these exquisite acquisitions. Each piece stands alone as a beautiful, magnificent masterpiece. All the Backus paintings they own are exceptional on multiple levels. Many of these pieces were created by “Beanie” during the years most fine art experts agree he produced his best work.

The undeniable high quality of this collection proves the unerring collecting savvy of the Pollacks and the power and magnitude of the art of A. E. Beanie Backus. Through the time-honored fine art tradition of oil painting, Beanie Backus’ works continue to rise to unrivaled heights. They are the works of a true master.

Viewing the collection should be done in the manner of drinking premium cognac, slowly sipping, lingering, and savoring the superb richness of taste and flavor to thoroughly enjoy the smooth, intoxicating experience from a product so well-made." --Sherrie Johnson