The Early Years
R.L. Lewis was born in Cocoa, Fl on the Indian River Lagoon, as the third of six siblings. His mother was inspirational in helping to encourage his desire to sketch and draw what he saw. A sports injury during his junior year in high school forced him to be assigned to art class at historically black Monroe High School in 1958. His High School Art Teacher was very inspirational in helping him to expose his artistic talents. He drew large crowds of students in art class with his artistic drawings and sketches. He drew inspiration from reading an article about the great Florida Landscape (Highwaymen) artist Harold Newton while in high school. The article was given to him by Mrs. Leisure.

The College Years/Work History
Heavily encouraged by a family friend to further pursue his artistic talents at the college level. Attended Edward Water College (Jacksonville, FL), Syracuse University (New York) and finally Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL) before graduating in 1966 with a B.A. Degree in Art Education. Worked as an Illustrator for Boeing upon graduation. Taught Art Education in Brevard County at the following schools: Kennedy Jr. High School (2 years), Roosevelt Jr. & Middle School (22 years), Jefferson Jr. High (6 years), and Lewis Carroll Elementary (2 years). Worked for over 15 years as a part-time teacher at Brevard Community College as an Art Adult Education instructor from the late 1970’s to the early 1990’s. Also taught for the Cocoa Village Art Adult Education Association on a part-time basis for over 10 years.

Artistic Variety and Artistic Forté
Artistic variety includes: Still Life Scenes and Portraits
Early in artistic career: Sculpting
Artistic Forte: Florida Scenes such as Landscape, Coastal, and Interior Scenes which he started to actively sell his art starting in 1969 Brevard county and many other areas of what Highwaymen Artist call the “Golden Triangle.”