From dreams to reality: Artist Ricky Powell poses proudly with his art, showcasing his mind’s creative dreams. PHOTO COURTESY OF RICKY POWELL[/caption]

Ricky Powell is a full-time artist from Omaha, Nebraska. He’s known as the “you dream it and I’ll paint it artist” stating, “Tell me your dream, and I’ll make them come true.” He says he does it all, from portraits to abstracts and everything in between.

One of Powell’s first introductions to art was watching his dad draw comic book characters and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars. At four, he drew his first picture on old handwriting paper, telling his mother he was “going to be an artist when I grew up.”

In 2016, Powell began teaching himself how to paint by watching YouTube videos, the same year he was discovered by Cecil Bernard, who’s provided celebrities with personalized artwork.

A year later, in 2017, Powell became a full-time artist, selling 104 original paintings. He states his acrylic on canvas art has a movement, which starts in the basement of his home where his studio is. “That’s where all the magic happens.”

He confesses that he can’t work in silence and either has the TV on or 90s hip-hop or reggae music playing. “Life inspires me. See what the Almighty has done. I’m just a copy of my God,” states Powell.

He loves what he does. He loves creating. And he loves “seeing what’s in my head come to life on canvas. I feel overwhelmed by the reactions I get when people see my art.”

Powell’s two art mentors are Ansel Buttler, from Atlanta, and Chris Clark, from Denver, and his high school art teacher Mrs. Patterson.

Today, Powell travels the country with his art, traveling to Phoenix, D.C., Philadelphia, and Brooklyn with his art. His goal for 2024 is to take his art abroad.

“I am an artist; you can’t put me in a box,” says Powell.

Ricky Powell’s art is displayed at the Gilpin County Arts Association Gallery in Central City. You can find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rickytheartist or you can give him a call at 402-800-0240.

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