When Cowboy Artists of America recently launched a new mentoring program to help cultivate the next generation of Western American artists, many members knew first-hand the difference a mentor can make. In fact, a number of CA members already mentor up-and coming artists to provide the same coaching that was so important to their own early careers. This list includes CA Bruce Greene, who has been actively mentoring young painter Tyler Crow for the past three years.
Crow and Greene first met at an event at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum after Crow had won an art contest at his high school. The pair hit it off, and Crow spent the following summer at Greene's home painting. They soon fell into a pattern. “I'll get a few paintings started at home and then go stay with Mr. Greene for a month,” explains Crow. “He'll critique my work and tell me what I need to change.”
The guidance Greene has provided to Crow has been invaluable to the younger artist's craft. “At first I was really tight with my drawings and wanted to capture every detail,” says Crow. “Mr. Greene helped me to loosen up. Thanks to his help, I am learning how to do things the right way from the start.”
“It is so much about the attitude and work ethic with Tyler,” say Greene. “He is making great strides with his artwork, and it is exciting for all of us around him.”
Greene invited Crow to participate in CAA Week at Scottsdale Artists' School last April to further develop his skills. During CAA Week, CAs Harley Brown, John Coleman, Bruce Greene, Mehl Lawson, Oreland C. Joe and R.S. Riddick taught workshops for 75 Western artists still honing their talents. Crow applied for – and received – a scholarship from the CAA's newly established Joe Beeler Cowboy Artist Foundation to cover the expenses of the workshops.
“I was so excited about getting to go,” says Crow. Adds Greene, “It was fabulous. The teachers gave attendees consistent, strong fundamentals in sculpture and painting.”
Greene, who Crow calls Big Chief in Comanche, has made a tremendous impact on Crow's fledgling career. For Crow's part, there is no way to repay the debt of gratitude he feels toward Greene. “It has been such a huge blessing to meet Mr. Greene and have his help,” he says. “He has helped me tremendously.”
Crow has been painting full-time since he connected with Greene, and he is selling his paintings at shows.
“I give all the credit to Mr. Greene and God,” Crow humbly says. “I'm going to keep working hard, and with the help of Mr. Greene I'll get better each and every day.”
You Can Help Support Artists Like Crow
If you would like to make a donation to support the valuable work of the CAA mentoring program, please send a check made out to “Joe Beeler Cowboy Artist Foundation” to:
Joe Beeler Cowboy Artist Foundation
PO Box 11348
Prescott, AZ 86304-1348
