“A lot of those guys were into heroin,” he said. “I’m no angel but that was taking things a little too far. I quit when I started having kids. Most of the original members on Canned Heat are dead now.

“I went to Yreka (Calif.) up near the Oregon border and ran cattle ranches for 14 years,” he said. “I rode bulls for seven years. I never did it professionally, just for weekend jackpot money–stupidity I guess. I pretty much raised my two boys on the ranch. It proved to be the best thing I could have ever done for them. I finally got bored way up there. It was way out in the sticks.”

A Powers biography states he also honed his artistic skills while working as a cowboy on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico.

“It was on the border between New Mexico and Arizona,” he said.

Art has been in Powers’ blood ever since he can remember.

“I was raised by my grandparents and my grandma said I was drawing farm animals when I was real young,” he said. “I’ve always drawn.”

Powers worked for the State of California as a composite artist for a spell until the nature of the work prompted him to give it up.

“You could never sit down and enjoy a glass of wine,” he said. “You were always on call. You might have to go out at two in the morning and draw a picture of someone. Most of the time the victims were hysterical and it was hard to get an accurate description (of the crook). By the time it was over, I’d end up being just as upset as the victim.”

Powers displays a drawing of a murder suspect who was subsequently caught as a result of his drawing.

Sedona was the next stop on Powers’ journey.

“I went to Sedona and built the Briar Patch (Inn),” he said. “It’s a multimillion dollar bed and breakfast. It’s a beautiful old place in the mountains.”

During the 1980s Powers met and befriended artists who encouraged him to further develop his talent.

“I met some pretty famous western artists during the ’80s who encouraged me to give it a try. It became something I couldn’t quit. I lived in Santa Fe (N.M.) for a while when I was getting started..  It was really hard to figure out what to do. I had to ask myself, “How much time are you going to spend on something and do you want to get paid?’ So I picked painting–there’s less sawdust.”

Not all of Powers’ work is confined to the dramatic paintings of the Old West on display in his studio.

“I’ve illustrated children’s books,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of prints out. I’ve always got a lot of irons in the fire. My downfall has been: I’m all artist and a terrible businessman.”

After leaving Sedona, Powers made his way to Cave Creek where he set up shop for “six or seven” years.

“Then I went to Prescott for five years,” Powers said. “I came back last year. I do mostly oils now but I started out with pen and ink.”

Powers’ paintings reflect his love for the Old West and Native‑American culture.

“My grandmother was part Indian,” he said. “I grew up on a farm full of Indian artifacts. She would use corn grinders for door stops.

“I do my paintings out of my head any more,” Powers said. “I’ve been to a lot of Indian pow‑wows. And, I’m a history nut. I don’t paint just a pretty painting for the wall. I want it to be accurate.”

That accuracy is reflected in a painting hanging in his studio on Cave Creek Road. It depicts the participants facing off in anticipation of the Gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone in 1881.

Powers has researched the incident and can give you a play‑by‑play of the actions of the principal characters in the drama on that fateful day.

“It all started over women,” Powers said. “And those guys drank like fish. The whole gunfight lasted 26 seconds. It was a date with destiny.”

The first step to a successful painting is a good drawing.

“I don’t think you can have one without the other,” he said. “A lot of my stuff is just history in my head. If it’s not a good drawing, I’ll start over. Call it surreal or imaginary. It’s just fun.”

A vivid example of Power’s work can be seen on the side of the Big Bronco General Store & Furniture Barn on Cave Creek Road.

“Visitors are always welcome at the studio,” Powers said. “It doesn’t bother me at all. I’m usually here. I’ve always got a painting going.”

Powers said he hasn’t thought of how he’d like to be remembered. He’s got too much left to do.

“I can’t die,” he laughs. “I’ve got too many bills. They (creditors) won’t let me.”

Powers’ studio is located at 6602 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or whenever he’s there.

For information call (602) 228‑3278; visit klpowers.com; or e‑mail klpowersstudio@hotmail.com