MARY ANN CARROLL

Mary Ann Carroll, highwaywoman, the only female member of the group, is certainly one of the more popular artists.

I was privileged to meet her way back in the early days of the highwaymen art market, soon after Jim Fitch wrote his article naming the group in 1995 and giving birth to the phenomenon.

Back in those days, until I actually met her, we used to think she was Mary Alice Carroll, her paintings signed with the initials M A Carroll.

She was invited (and introduced to me) by Dave and Sue Folds, two people who had seized upon the idea of a highly collectible market. Dave's dad, followed by Dave, began acquiring paintings in thrift shops, carrying an actual inventory of these things in their loft in a modest condo. They were extremely important in helping to create a buying and selling atmosphere at the West Palm Beach state fairgrounds antique show, which at the time was promoted by Jeff Francis and universally known as "The Piccadilly Show". Some old timers still call it by that name.

These were the days when it was difficult to convince a potential customer that a standard size painting, signed A, Hair could be worth as much as the $ 35.00 to $ 50.00 I was asking for it and probably was going to increase in value over the long term.

Recently I was fortunate enough to purchase a little gem of a poinciana painting by Mary Ann at a show I attend in Vero Beach. Some of the most beautiful paintings, certainly with the most vibrant of colors, that I have bought and sold, have been done by Mary Ann.

This poinciana portrait is an 8 x 10 on upson board, a vintage piece. It was in a nasty old frame so I contacted Sam Newton and he made a beautiful new original highwayman frame for me which, of course, is where that little gem resides.

I have posted a picture of it for your viewing pleasure.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, here is

Mary Ann Carroll, herownself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oOaLYbUXpg