The Crow were great warriors whose stealth and cunning made them one of the most fearsome tribes on the Northern Plains of 19th century America. Martin Grelle is one of the very best contemporary masters of the American West and he has captured the Spirit of the Crow Warriors in this powerful nocturnal scene. This is a truly outstanding painting and a fine example of his award-winning talent and skill.
"Each day is a new adventure. Another chance for me to learn something, make a new friend, teach my children, and grow as a person and as an artist," says Martin Grelle.
Being voted into membership with the Cowboy Artists of America in 1995 was the beginning of another adventure, one that took a long time to begin, and one that Martin knows from the experiences of the past few years was worth the effort and the wait. “I have learned so much from being around this group, both as an artist and a person, and I know that the association with them has been a catalyst for growth that I might never have known otherwise."
Born and raised in Clifton, Texas, Martin still makes his home there on a small ranch among the wooded hills of the Meridian Creek valley a few miles from town, and just a crow’s hop from family and friends. Martin started painting when he was very young, and was fortunate that two other CA artists, James Boren and Melvin Warren, moved to Clifton when he was still in high school, as both became a huge influence on his work and his desire to become a CA.
In June 2005, Martin became one of only five artists to have won the top award twice at the prestigious Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, winning in 2002 and 2005. He also received the "Nona Jean Hulsey Ramsey Buyers' Choice Award” at this show in 2004, and again in 2006.
"I am thankful that I have had the opportunities that I've had, to live in a place that I love, with the people that I love, doing the work that I love to do. I seek to honor my collectors and my fellow artists by becoming the best artist that I can be."
Biography courtesy of cowboyartistsofamerica.com
