So who is this Russell Powell geezer then???
He's an American kindergarten teacher who is inspired to create pictures just as little children often do...with their hands!
Except as a fine portrait painter his creations are rather more intricate and well, probably just a little more artistic than your average kindergarten pupil!
Peek a Boo. Eye see you!
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama - Wisdom in the palm of your hand.
Painting the portraits in oil onto the palm of his hands he then "handstamps" them onto paper, allowing the creases and lines of his hand to become an integral part of the artwork.
This lion won't be biting the hand that feeds him!
Thumbs up to Bob Marley!
Just IMAGINE - John Lenon
MLK The Man who had a Dream.
His work is like a 21st Century update of early cave paintings. It is reminiscent of many native tribal people who would often create art on cave walls or rocks using earth mineral 'paints' to highlight their bodies, feet and hands in particular. As archaeological artifacts they imbue the landscape with a highly personal and sometimes moving link to our distant ancestors. Russell seems to have taken this idea to a new modern level but seems inspired by global tribal peoples since tribal themes feature in a lot of his artwork.
Here's how he does it in a video that's just under 2 minutes...
I really think you've got to hand it to him...it's a resounding thumbs up from me! Sorry, all the puns are fully intentional.
I'd love to know what you all think of his creative methods and paintings. Do you love his work too?
Picture Credits
All paintings by Russell Powell
https://pangaeanstudios.shop/
Patagonian Cave Painting Adurivero Photographer unknown.