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

Copyright, Chagall Card, Riffs, WTH?

 I am breaking with my normal posts to say this timely bit regarding copyright, and the lawsuit against Led Zep over the riff.  I don’t give a toss about any of it, but the topic is under my skin.  I … Continue reading

Posted in art, art journal, copyleft, creativity, meditation, process, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

VSW: Harold Washington Library, Chicago, 2 Watercolors

I added a wash coat of color and a bit of detail to the ink sketches. Being a line-work gal, not sure which I like best…  You? Moleskin 8×11 watercolor journal, watercolor pencils and Pentalic HB woodless pencil, Platinum Preppy … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, calligraphy, challenge, creativity, pen & ink, process, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

VSW: Harold Washington Library, Chicago, 1Ink

I look at my pages now that my comfort with fountain pens and watercolors — my materials — to move my eye to design a pleasing page. I love this postmodern building and had little knowledge of it so this … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, calligraphy, challenge, drawing, pen & ink, sketchbook, virtual sketching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tools: Sennelier Watercolor Pan Kit and Pentalic Aqua Journal

It seems that when I get my watercolors in order and say “I need nothing,” I end up buying something new.  Blick’s is having an amazing sale which I came across looking for a replacement tube; I had put my … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, journal, paper, review, watercolor | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

A common surprise

Originally posted on Sketch Away: Travels with my sketchbook:
It’s becoming more and more common: someone will email me telling me about an interesting sign in San Jose that I haven’t sketched. I’ll go out to sketch it only to find something quite different…

Posted in art journal | 10 Comments

VSW: Chicago, 1, Newberry Library

Nice to have Sue lead the Virtual Sketchwalk in Chicago this month.  I’m taking the opportunity to play on Canson Colored papers, ink and watercolor on grey paper! The watercolor buckled the paper, but it stood up to it — … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, challenge, drawing, pen & ink, process, series, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Black HUB IPA Can

Okay, first off, do NOT sketch in a black watercolor pencil when your first coat will be an Indian Yellow or Quin Gold.  Dumb.  I tried to wet and wash it off; alas, it did not work well.  Also, the … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, class, pen & ink, recipe, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

VSW: Chicago, 2, Fourth Presbyterian Church

Continuing the Virtual Sketchwalk in Chicago drawing on colored paper, this time ink and colored pencil on grey paper, with a nod to Pat Southern-Pearce! Canson paper loose to be tipped into my Moleskin 8×11 watercolor journal, Pentalic HB woodless … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, pen & ink, pencil, series, virtual sketching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Creativity: Stumbling Blocks + Play

Creatives get blocked. Creatives need play time! It has been a long time since I’ve been involved in a project — I’m not talking about recipes or art challenges but real projects — a couple of years of learning watercolors, … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, creativity, making a living, process, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Convergence: Grief, Books, Life

This gallery contains 10 photos.

Originally posted on joy murray art~stories~life:
I belong to a book club where, at 55, I’m the youngest member.  The oldest member is 92 and there is another member who turned 90 this year.  I’m reluctant member of…

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Gratitude Journal: Chocolate Bunny

What is it about the power of a chocolate bunny? And more importantly, we’ve had SO many years without them because we stopped eating non-organic sweets!  If we are going to fill our bellies with sugar and all means of … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, color, gods and goddesses, journal, memory, pen & ink, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Electric Pencil: A Sketchbook from an Asylum

It speaks for itself, fascinating. From this posting:  http://www.electricpencildrawings.com/EPrevealed-english.html I love this kind of thing….

Posted in journal, sketchbook | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Laguna Starfish

From a photo, middle of the night, watercolor pencil, splashing paint, no ink. Missing the ocean, need to dip my toes in sand and sea soon…. Aquabee Super Deluxe Journal, Caran D’ache watercolor pencil, White Uniball Signo, and Daniel Smith … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

How I Make Creative Decisions

Sometimes it is hard to pick a project, or say no to an opportunity. April is arriving, and I have two art projects on my board in addition to making a living (conserving antiquities — this is what I am … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, challenge, creativity, drawing, journal, painting, pen & ink, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Midnight Palm Full Moon

Been so stressed for so many reasons. Middle of the night drawing.  Moons on my mind. Watching Mitchell breath while painting ocean and palms and moon in her fullness, all calming. I almost woke him bringing salt back to bed … Continue reading

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Tools: Watercolors

Last week I was asked what my favorite watercolors were over a half-dozen times. I’m thinking it is a sign, so am using it as a prompt! I have favorite brands overall (Daniel Smith — DS — and assume a … Continue reading

Posted in color, review, tools, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Recipes, and Taking Classes!

I post this with recipe on my foodie blog, but this is a thanks to Tracey and a commentary about taking classes. I am taking an online class by my favorite Aussie, Tracey Fletcher King, called Delicious Paint. A class … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, class, drawing, pen & ink, recipe, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Rich German on his Board

Took on foreshortening and portrait (EEEK!) and lions and tigers and bears, oh my! I’m pretty happy with the turnout! The suggestion of Marley’s and Hendrix’s portraits was done with masking fluid over yellow, then splashy splashy!  I’m pretty happy … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments