Although Curtis Arnett drew and taught himself to paint, he got serious when he visited and met A.E. Backus at his studio and saw Alfred Hair demonstrate painting at his high school, while a student there. Like most of the Highwaymen, he was an outlier to this group of outliers. He earned a black belt in karate, worked as a security guard, and painted. Hezekiah Baker, older and more practiced, took him under his wing, offering mentorship and encouragement. Likely because he favored an interior sales route, his imagery leaned toward backcountry scenes.