After relocating to Butte, Montana, from Chicago years ago, Scott Tallman Powers developed a deep affection for the West. While the painter garners inspiration from his historical surroundings at home amid the legacy of a “bygone era of mining,” he also finds influence from his many travels. In Powers’ current body of work, he focuses his attention on the scenery from working ranches in the West, while also documenting faces and figures of those he’s encountered on the road, with the hope of capturing “sincere individuals bound by their devotion to family, land and animals.”
Family Traditions, oil, 20 x 30”.
“While I used to paint various cultures spanning the globe, the culture of Western America has profoundly captured my heart,” Powers explains. “Portraying the narratives of the remarkable individuals and families I encounter on the ranches, who I collaborate with and thoroughly research, has become a genuine passion. These individuals impart a wealth of knowledge to me and openly welcome me into their lives, allowing me to learn extensively.”
Powers applies a realistic style with a touch of naturalism and impressionism in his paintings, and cites some of the Old Masters as his guides. This list includes the likes of Mariano Fortuny y Marsal, Antonio Mancini, Jules Bastien-LePage and Pascal Dagnan-Bouveret, among many others. “I enjoy delving into the techniques these old masters employed to solve challenges within their artworks and learning from their solutions,” says Powers.
Sanctuary, oil, 24 x 18”
“Regarding where I seek new material,” Powers continues, “I find it essential to immerse myself in various experiences. This includes working on ranches, attending rodeos, spending time in the mountains, and keenly observing the subtle details that hold the potential to shape an engaging narrative that demands to be shared.”
Abuela, oil, 17 x 13”
In newer paintings like Sanctuary, depicting a group of horses gathered in an open field beneath a large tree, a story of history and lineage unfolds. “Sanctuary captures a serene interlude on a ranch approximately an hour south of Butte, Montana,” the artist shares. “The Garrison’s, a family with deep-rooted ranching heritage spanning numerous generations, are at the center of this narrative. The scene resonates with familiarity, a sight I’ve witnessed often among horses. Horses have a tendency to huddle together, either to keep warm or share a bit of shade from an old tree. As the sun was setting, I pitched a tent on the Garrison’s property amid an 18-degree chill. Under these conditions, this experience solidified the memory of that day.”
Racing the Storm, oil, 18 x 28”
In other significant ranch scenes like Racing the Storm, we witness a moment caught during calving season at the Kirkpatrick’s ranch, where a cowboy on horseback pushes cows into the pen before an impending storm. Also taken from the Kirkpatrick ranch is the piece Family Traditions, a comprehensive and stunning portrayal of authentic, hard work. “The Kirkpatrick’s are an amazing family in the heart of the Big Hole in Montana,” says Powers. “They are one of the last ranching families that put up hay the old way using a ‘Beaver Slide.’ I have spent a lot of time working, studying and collecting information about this incredible family and try to tell their stories in paint.”
Tales of a Hat Maker, oil, 9½ x 14”
Powers is also known for his expertise in depicting realistic portraits of people from his travels, continuing to spin a narrative involving emotional research, resulting in a quiet romanticism. In works like Abuela the artist explains, “A few years back, I found myself in the charming town of Oaxaca, Mexico, a locale of immense beauty…While photographing throughout the labyrinth of streets and walkways, I unexpectedly encountered a woman exuding warmth through her eyes and spirit. I engaged in a conversation with her with my fragmented and broken Spanish. Eventually, I gathered up the courage to propose an exchange: pesos in return for the privilege of capturing her in a photograph. She gracefully complied with my request. It is my hope that this painting conveyed the emotions and sentiments I felt for her during that encounter.”
Jewels of the Auction, oil, 24 x 36”
Collectors can find Powers’ work at Settlers West Galleries in Tucson, Arizona, and it will be featured in the gallery’s Great American West Show this November, The American Miniatures Show in February 2024 and The Summer Show in May of 2024. Powers will also participate in Legacy Gallery’s March 2024 group show titled Western Horizons in Scottsdale, Arizona; the June 2024 Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and for the first time, will be featured at the Night of Artists exhibition at the Briscoe Museum of Western Art in March 2024. —
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