Enter the fantastical world of artist Cliff Powell, whose paintings bring together imagination, symbolism, and hard-won self-rediscovery. Find more by visiting his website.
“Imagination’s Flight” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 36″
I live between two worlds. One is built on blueprints and demands, the other in imagination and curiosity. I’ve spent decades in architecture, construction, and real estate development, designing and building everything from homes to warehouses and car dealerships. But beneath the hard hat, something else was building—the need to create for myself.
“Paradox of Embrace” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 24″
I grew up in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Creativity has deep roots in my family tree, from orchestra musicians and composers to artists and builders. I was drawn to the arts early, especially music. At twelve, I got my first guitar. After high school, I joined a metal band that toured, recorded albums, and opened for bands I once idolized.
“Voyage of the Infinite” acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 40″
Eventually, I felt it was time to become what society expected. I entered corporate America, climbed the ladder, chased titles, and pursued everything that was supposed to mean success. Work consumed me and became my identity. I still created, but only in service of designing for others and solving their business needs. My creative spark was buried under meetings, spreadsheets, and the grind. I had the title and the lifestyle. But underneath, I felt hollow.
“Hold Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand” acrylic on canvas, 40″ x 30″
One night at a corporate dinner, I was asked if I had a hobby or what I did for fun. Half-jokingly, I said, “Work,” but this time, it hit harder. I realized I’d been chasing titles and had lost the creative spark that once fueled me. I thought about the only artistic outlet I had left—collecting art. It reminded me of a college color theory class where I had to paint. I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but I did. Eventually, I picked up a brush to see where it might lead.
“Twilight Under the Bigtop” acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 48″
My art exists at the crossroads of surrealism and fantasy. It’s symbolic, conceptual, and rooted in story. I build my paintings the same way I would a structure, layered through planning, concept development, and intentional design. The process is instinctive and architectural.
“Beyond the Edge of Imagination” acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 24″
Because I’m colorblind, I’ve developed a way of working with color that’s intuitive, studied, and deliberate. I focus less on specific hues and more on contrast, balance, and how colors interact. When ideas strike, I write out the vision instead of sketching. From there, I research, collect references, build digital mockups, and refine before painting.
“Interstellar Elation” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 24″
With every piece, I push myself to try something new, whether a technique, composition, or palette shift. That mindset of continuous improvement and stepping outside my comfort zone comes from years of managing projects.
“Musica Universalis” acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 24″
First and foremost, I create for myself. Each painting reflects parts of my story, philosophy, and whatever rabbit hole I’m exploring at the time. At the end of the day, I create work that feels authentic to me. My art isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.
“Things Aren’t as They Seem” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 30″
It’s for the daydreamers, the ones who find the absurd in the ordinary, and who see fantasy not as escape, but as a lens to understand something deeper. When it connects with someone like that, it reminds me art can bridge worlds.
Cliff Powell invites you to follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.