I have been surrounded by art and artists since early childhood. I was three years-old when my family moved to Thompson Street in what is now known as SoHo. My artist father, Jack Powell, made his paintings in a loft on Canal Street. We spent many Saturday afternoons visiting galleries that were popping up in the neighborhood.

At fourteen I took my first life drawing class at the Art Students League and continued my training there for many years. I studied portrait painting with Dan Gheno who has left a lasting impression on my approach to color and perspective.

As evidenced in the light and shadow of my urban landscapes, I am deeply influenced by Edward Hopper. Paintings of buildings, church steeples and overpasses are heir to the Precisionism Art movement. My Sunflowers, at the end of their lifespan, are reminiscent of Van Gogh.

Influences on my still life paintings range from the Dutch Golden age with a classic portrait of fruit, to the metallic textures of Photorealist Ralph Goings.

The abstract works have hints of Jasper Johns and Mondrian. The paint has a heavy texture much like Johns’ encaustic painting and Mondrian’s straight lines interwoven like a fabric. All are mixed media: acrylic, paper, oil paint sticks and wax.

After many years in the restaurant business I pivoted to education and became a teacher’s assistant at the Battery Park City School. This life shift has enriched my art practice as I’m able to combine it with my focus on education. I earned a degree in Art History from Borough of Manhattan Community College and am now enrolled at City College of New York working toward a B.A. in education.

Contact info: hp737am@gmail.com