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photo by Steve VanGunda
Local painter Sarah Powers uses the morning sunlight to inspire her while painting on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
Painter finds art around her
Published Tuesday, May 20, 2008
NATCHEZ — Inspiration comes in many forms. For Natchez painter Sarah Powers it comes in the form of morning sunlight over the Mississippi River Bridge. You can see her from time to time with easel and paint brush in hand along the Mississippi River bluffs putting paint to canvas. She was doing just that Monday morning.
“I started really painting after my father died. It helps me take my mind off of things,” Powers said.
Although she originally planned to only focus on architecture at Mississippi State University, as she entered her senior year that soon changed.
Photo by Steve VanGunda
One of Powers’ recently finished pieces is a self portrait of her looking back on her childhood.
“Double majoring in architecture and art have really complimented each other well, the architecture studies at MSU have just helped me hone my painting skills even more,” Powers said.“A lot of architects are also artists.
“One of my favorites is Steve Hall, who is not only a world famous architect but also a watercolor painter,” Powers said.
While not strictly a watercolor artist, Powers describes her style of painting as a mix between the surreal and realism.
“I enjoy painting things that look like something recognizable from far away but as you get closer blend into something more abstract,” she said.
Although painting for the joy of it is what Powers enjoys most it has also helped her pay her way through college.
“By selling some of my pieces, I’ve been lucky enough not to have to take out loans to pay for school.” she said.
Comments
Posted by callinitlikeitis (anonymous) on May 20, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
from one artist to another: sarah, your painting is beautiful and inspiring. i'm proud of you, your drive and ambition as a young woman. many times i'm out around the bluffs with my camera and love of photography. i'll keep an eye out for you, i'd love to meet you and see more of your work. our local galleries should be showing your work! keep creating and making the world more beautiful.
Posted by msfixit (anonymous) on May 20, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good going Sarah. As you know, I only WISH we hadn't had to take out any loans.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on May 20, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd like to see more of this girl's work. Natchez Democrat... keep an eye on her for us.
Posted by jnarts (anonymous) on May 20, 2008 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow,that,s a very unique style you have come upon,I like it and would like to see more.I hope you don't mind a compliment from a welder/self taught artist.This piece really grabbed me,this made me register to post this comment.I do mostly landscapes in oil.I don;t have the time to paint as much as I like,But I like plein air a lot,so I'm learning water colors to save some time & the environment ,I pack a warm & cool of my primarys plus my earth colors.(no cads.) they"re toxic & opaque.Sometimes the wind makes that water move on it's own,I use a lot of dry brushing which alters my compisitions at times.I"m done rambling,I really like your work & would love to see more,please post something for us to view in the future,thank you.
Posted by Hobo (anonymous) on May 21, 2008 at 3:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amazing artwork. Does anyone know at the Democrat how we might get ahold of Sarah Powers and inquire about purchasing one of her pieces?
Posted by jnarts (anonymous) on May 24, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with Hobo,if there is any contact info for this artist please share with me too.I want to see more.
Posted by puppiesmom16 (anonymous) on May 24, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Sarah! I'm your Aunt Lee (Terri's sister) in Batesville, MS. Read the article; I am very proud of you and the path you have chosen to take. Would love to see some of your drawings and paintings. Keep up the good work. Follow your dreams and they will take you anywhere you want to go. Love U!
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