John Powell in Red Bank An exhibit of paintings by internationally acclaimed artist John Powell will open at Beacon Fine Arts Gallery in Red Bank on Friday, April 18. "Autumn Vase" Receptions with the lyrical realist painter will take place 7-10 p.m.April 18 and 5-9 p.m.April 19 at Beacon FineArts, 61 Monmouth St. Powell began his immersion in the arts early in life.Anative of Hollywood, Calif., he began to paint at the age of 16 under the tutelage of his father, Jack Powell, and his father's friend, Will Foster, both prominent artists. John Powell describes a seminal moment in his early life, when, after spending long hours in the studio listening to the artists discuss color, he had an "awakening." "Suddenly it hit me like a mallet on the head: there it was, all the colors they were talking about. The trees weren't just green, they were blue and purple and orange. I remember that experience like it was yesterday. I think of it as my awakening." After graduating from high school, Powell enlisted in the Navy, spending two years in Japan, and the Far Eastern experience of this period is reflected in design elements in his work. After four years in the Navy, he enrolled in the Mexico City College in Mexico City, known for the caliber of its art department. There, he was influenced by the primitive arts of Mexico, which made an indelible imprint. When he returned to Los Angeles, he began to establish a serious art career. "Koi and Green Tea" Powell's signature lyrical realist style of painting melds his love for color, flowers, gardens, pottery and art from around the world, with interesting fabrics and elements from his travels. His lush, intricately detailed paintings create a mosaic of colors and patterns juxtaposed against flowers and fabrics. Powell's home and studio are in Santa Barbara, Calif. His paintings hang in private collections and in numerous notable museum collections in the U.S. and throughout the world. The exhibition coincides with the publication of "The Work of John Powell: His Life, Visions of Paradise." Published byWellspring Communications, the 136-page volume features more than 200 full-color images of paintings and photographs from the past 60 years. "Puebla Cocina" For more information on the show at Beacon Fine Arts, visit www.beaconfineartsgallery.com. "Summer Fruit and Tea"