Powers studied with his father, Hiram Powers, a well known Neo-classical sculptor and expatriate who lived in Italy. Powers eventually became his father"s personal secretary, a position he held until Hiram Powers" death in 1873. Preston sued his mother for inadequate support after the details of his father"s will became known, as it declared his widow as sole heir.
He is also known as William Preston Powers. After returning to the United States, the younger Powers worked as an artist in Boston Massachusetts, Washington District of Columbia and Portland Maine. In order to keep peace within the family, Preston Powers was made the supervisor of Hiram Powers" studio-workshop, which eventually closed in 1877.
He later operated his own studio across the street from his mother"s house but insisted on harassing her with additional lawsuits.
