Just driving up to the front of Dave Powells art studio is like taking a step back in time to the Old West of the late 1800s. Surrounded by the spirits of thousands of Westward bound souls, Dave paints his historically accurate, story-telling, colorful paintings filled with trappers, Indians, cowboys, horse mounted U.S Cavalry soldiers and every other kind of brave frontier character, in the 100 year old Drake Railroad Depot on Iron Springs Road in Prescott, Arizonas First Territorial Capitol.
Upon entering the reception room of this historic building, you find your eyes gazing upon dozens of Indian artifacts, weapons, leather beaded clothing, well worn cowboy and top hats, old pawn Indian jewelry, antique furniture, paintings, sculptures, movie memorabilia and photographs of Powell with movie stars, gallery owners, museum curators, artists and prominent collectors of Western art. Photos of Dave and his friends cover the walls and include names of the greats in Western art, such as Bob Scriver, Ned Jacobs, Robert Lougheed, Tom Lovell and Joe Beeler. His artistic talents were nurtured by these artists as he studied under them. Daves talent came naturally to him from his parents, sculptor and painters, Nancy McLaughlin Powell and Ace Powell, the prolific western artist whose first childhood paint set was a gift from Charlie and Nancy Russell. With advice and help from his close friend Joe Beeler, Powell became a member of the Cowboy Artists of America in 2005, just one short year before Beelers untimely death.
Stepping into his painting area you are met with detailed drawings of buffalo, Indians, cowboys on horseback chasing longhorn cattle all over the tables, chairs and floor. Behind the easel with his latest painting are tall stacks of sketch books filled with images of every kind of face, hat, headdress, horse, saddle, Indian weapon, historic black powder and repeater rifles and pistols. It is obvious that historic authenticity is of primary importance to Dave's planning when he begins one of his paintings or sculptures.
Daves immensely detailed knowledge of the historic peoples, cultures and events of the early frontier times, when mountain men traveled and trapped in the Indian lands of the 17th and 18th centuries has led Hollywood to hire Powell as a technical consultant and authenticity expert, providing historically accurate costumes and props. Some productions he has advised on are: Lonesome Dove, Silverado, Good Old Boys and Seabiscuit.
Dave and his wife Sasha welcome everyone who comes by Daves amazing studio. Sasha, often dressed in vintage and Victorian clothing offers you a cup of coffee or tea, while Dave spins colorful yarns about his childhood visiting Indian reservations, famous artists, movie stars and early western art galleries, as he continues to mix and apply paint on his canvas. Dave and Sasha, his studio, and his paintings sweep you away from our fast paced modern world, and carry you back to the age of Charlie Russell and Sitting Bull.
~written by Merry Nebeker
