Crews' family moved to Chicago when he was nine.
After study at the Art Institute he opened a commercial art
business. He moved to New Mexico
after his wife's tragic death in 1918 and by 1921 had exhibited at
the National Academy of Design.He
painted the deserts and mountains of Texas and New Mexico. He was
known for his use of vivid color often using one primary color for a
canvas.
He settled in El Paso and had a successful career
working from his downtown studio. He was invited to participate in
all of the famous Davis Wildflower Competitions held in San Antonio.