Ace Powell (1912–1978) was a prolific Western artist whose paintings, bronzes, and prints captured the rugged spirit of frontier life in Montana and the American West. Born in Tularosa, New Mexico, and raised near Glacier National Park in Montana, Powell developed a deep connection to the landscape, wildlife, and cowboy culture that surrounded him. Largely self-taught, he was influenced early on by Charles M. Russell, a family friend, and later refined his skills at the University of Montana and in brief studies at the Art Institute of Chicago.

He was dedicated to depicting the authentic, everyday life of the West rather than its romanticized version. Over the course of his career, Powell produced an estimated 12,000 pieces, making him one of the most prolific artists of his genre. An interesting fact: Powell sometimes painted on unconventional materials like leftover masonite, old signs, and even bed sheets—driven by both necessity and his relentless creative drive. His work remains a beloved part of Western American art for its honesty, grit, and deep personal connection to the land and its people.