Author Archives: D. Katie Powell

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About D. Katie Powell

hollywood baby turned beach gurl turned steel&glass city gurl turned cowgurl turned herb gurl turned green city gurl. . . artist writer photographer. . . cat lover but misses our big dogs, gone to heaven. . . foodie, organic, lover of all things mik, partner in conservation business mpfconservation, consummate blogger, making a dream happen, insomniac who is either reading buddhist teachings or not-so-bloody mysteries or autobio journal thangs early in the morning when i can't sleep

HANDBOOK: Robert Oster and TWSBI Eco

I sketched my newest TWSBI Eco, a beautiful blue with gold trim — gold trim is not my usual (I love silver) but this is stunning — and matched it up with Robert Oster Signature ink’s Lost Dutchman’s Gold (a … Continue reading

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Tools: New Watercolor, a Test Palette

I’ve been a little depressed lately, some for “good” reasons but some because I-don’t-know.  The world has gone mad, and I’ve been journaling about it to get to the truth of it.  I think talking about it helps others and … Continue reading

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TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen Review

I LOVE TWSBI Ecos.  Well made, good price point, and they hold a lot of ink.  They are my go-to sketching pens, and the only pens where I have all the variations inked up.  (See bottom.) The when the two … Continue reading

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Laguna: Cliff Drive

Continuing my sketchbook on early memories of moving to Laguna Beach, California. When I was a girl I was known as Debbie Beck. The first place we lived IN Laguna was in the gold apartments on Cliff Drive, which was … Continue reading

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Inky Thots: Robert Oster Anniversary Inks

Robert Oster Signature Inks is having their  7th Anniversary, and have created three special inks for their celebration: Their first true black, a beautiful purple storm, and a shimmering green-gold jewel: Let’s look at each anniversary ink. Remember that others … Continue reading

Posted in animals, architecture, art, art journal, Cat, color, ink painting, painting, pen & ink, review | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Seehof Castle: 30X30 Direct Watercolor

The month of June is when many watercolorists around the world participate in the 30×30 Direct Watercolor Challenge, created by Marc Homes and Uma Kelker. Rules are simple:  Each day post one watercolor, but no sketching, no inking, no pencil, … Continue reading

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Seehof Bamberg Poppies: 30X30 Direct Watercolor

The month of June is when many watercolorists around the world participate in the 30×30 Direct Watercolor Challenge, created by Marc Homes and Uma Kelker. Rules are simple:  Each day post one watercolor, but no sketching, no inking, no pencil, … Continue reading

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Inky Thots: Robert Oster Australian Opal Grey

Robert Oster’s Australian Opal Grey ink is one of my favorite greys, leaning into turquoise and blue when touched with water. My delicate shell (that I have carried around since high school) was painted in a Hahnemühle Nostalgie Sketchbook with … Continue reading

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Favorite Grey Tee

I have a favorite grey tee shirt from Bass & Co that is as old as my marriage. It is on its last legs, and I am grieving.  I cannot find another one like it ANYWHERE and it is so … Continue reading

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An Opal Grey Face

He was looking down, and the bit of his face under the hat intriguing.  I used Robert Oster’s Australian Opal Grey ink, which was also a good match for his grey hair. ☾ Hahnemühle Bamboo Carnet de Voyage pad, Chesapeake … Continue reading

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Canal du Midi: 30X30 Direct Watercolor

The month of June is when many watercolorists around the world participate in the 30×30 Direct Watercolor Challenge, created by Marc Homes and Uma Kelker. Rules are simple:  Each day post one watercolor, but no sketching, no inking, no pencil, … Continue reading

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Laguna: Overlook

Continuing my sketchbook on early memories of moving to Laguna Beach, California. When I was a girl I was known as Debbie Beck. My mom and I took walks along the cliffs overlooking Main Beach and also the rocky “beaches” … Continue reading

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Laguna: Crystal Cove

When I was a kid, and then later when I was at college, I knew I was almost home when Crystal Cove came into view. Depending upon the season (yes, California has seasons but you have to be a Californian … Continue reading

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Sleepy Izzee

Izzee at her most peaceful, asleep on a chair on a fuzzy. Usually she is a force of movement, always investigating, causing trouble, pushing where she doesn’t belong.  I would never characterize her a sweet — though she has her … Continue reading

Posted in animals, art journal, Cat, drawing, journal, memory, painting, pen & ink, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

USk: Studio View

I recently participated in something on IG and won’t participate with that group again.  For those who run groups, and I do, it is important to make sure everyone in a group you run gets feedback from you (unless no … Continue reading

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California Poppies

Home, home, home… Cheery orange poppies used to cover the hills in Laguna Beach. I love them.  Maybe cuz I am a native California gurl Maybe cuz they are one of my favorite colors.  Handbook Journal watercolor square, De Atramentis … Continue reading

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Posies: Eucalyptus Blossoms

I grew up with lovely Eucalyptus, though I remember the blossoms being a bit more orange than the image I sketched from.  I love them, as they are home home home! Happy May Day!  I am ready for spring! ☾ … Continue reading

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Posies: Yellow Magnolia

This image of yellow magnolia blossoms ends the 8-inch square Handbook Journal! I like the Handbook Journals, I just love Hahnemühle Journals more.  I tried Handbook Journals when I needed to bump up an order for free shipping and I … Continue reading

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