One of the original Highwaymen, Al Black's paintings often reflect the beauty he saw in Florida's natural land as well as the tranquility he found in these places. Black is a self-taught artist who learned by simply watching the other self-taught artists. In 1964 Black met Beanie Backus through Alfred Hair. Initially Black sold the work of the other Highwaymen, but eventually his creative desire took hold and he became one of the main painters of this legendary group. Black liked "fast painting" where works were painted in hours instead of days, but more often in only minutes instead of hours.