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

My “Business” Sketchbook: Chippendale Conservation

Above, Mitchell thinking about the various things he has to do to this family heirloom in order to resurrect it from the broken state. The Chippendale sofa’s arm was broken and sagging, leg broken, parts of the frame broken, and … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, furniture, journal, making a living, painting, pen & ink, pencil, sketchbook, urban sketchers, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

My “Business” Sketchbook: Mattress Ranch

I’ve had this finished a long time and almost didn’t post it. There really is a Mattress Ranch on the way to Olympia Washington. It was the source of much amusement as we drove up in the morning to work … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, drawing, furniture, journal, painting, pen & ink, sketchbook, urban sketchers, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

My “Business” Sketchbook: Aesthetics Movement Pieces

You may remember these sketches; they started me thinking about how many beautiful objects we see daily.  I decided to dedicate one of my new Stillman & Birn sketchbooks to our business.  My first two watercolor sketches were in the … Continue reading

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USk: Multnomah Sketchcrawl in the Pouring Rain

My first sketchcrawl with other people, the Portland Urban Sketchers; I’ve crawled around a lot by myself urban sketching!  Mitchell was the bravest, being new to sketching and now going today as well. It wasn’t raining, it was POURING — … Continue reading

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Art Journal: Black and White

Middle of the night, can’t sleep, found shells on the dresser. Drawn in an Stillman & Birn Alpha journal with Noodler’s Heart of Darkness ink.          I agree to Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International License, which you can learn more … Continue reading

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USk: Smith Tower, Vancouver, Washington

I had lunch with my niece yesterday and went an hour early to find an interesting building or scene to sketch.  As I was driving into the city of Vancouver I remembered the “beer can” building, looking glum and peachy … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, history, painting, pen & ink, pencil, sketchbook, timed painting, urban sketchers, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Art Journaling: Miscellaneous Picks

Random sketches from my journal, continuing to play with the watercolors is the point. My confidence is growing; I am dropping into my best drawing habits from my teens and twenties.  While sketching my favorite coffee cup, I realized why … Continue reading

Posted in art, art journal, challenge, drawing, journal, painting, pen & ink, pencil, sketchbook, urban sketchers, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Comics heroes Tintin, Spirou and Asterix: Je suis Charlie

Originally posted on Le Blog des Flinflins:
I am lucky guy because I grew up in a land of freedom, a country where men decided to free themselves in 1789 with the French Revolution and chose to write the Human…

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#JesuisCharlie‬

#‎JesuisCharlie‬

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Art Journal: Memories

A friend has laid out a great challenge to kick off 2015. When I can, I am taking her cues because she’s created a great list.  Thoughtful, they are evoking memories in most who are playing along.  A challenge shouldn’t … Continue reading

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My Picks for the Best Books, Part One

I’ve been asked quite a bit about my favorite how-to art books, and here is my answer.  I will divide them into beginner’s best and then those that are good no matter where you are, but you must know that … Continue reading

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My “Business” Sketchbook: Webbing Stretchers

My commitment to documenting the upholstery studio is ongoing; a challenge prompted this watercolor sketch. I said no more challenges but this list is too much fun. I chose Mitchell’s webbing stretchers because they happened to be setting on his … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, challenge, drawing, furniture, journal, making a living, painting, pen & ink, sketchbook, urban sketchers, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

How Did I Get This Age?

When did this happen? When I look in the mirror I expect to see the thirty-ish woman and do not know the face looking back at me. I expect to see the naked body of my forties and do not … Continue reading

Posted in art, Booby Gurl, journal, memory, pen & ink, sketchbook, waterbrush, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Recipe Watercolor: Chicken Curry

I’ve been so busy I haven’t sketched recipes in a long time! During the holiday I made this leftover dish and enjoyed the curry colors! Yummy recipe using leftovers posted on Katwritesfood! Soon I will post my first lesson on … Continue reading

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You Share Good: A Good Book About Copyright

I bought You Share Good by Gwenn Seemel and read it in almost one sitting.  Gwenn’s argument for letting go of copyright and relaxing into sharing is persuasive, and I highly recommend it — even if you choose to copyright … Continue reading

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Emotional Moonth Art Journal(Reposting)

This is one of the older posts from my other blog that I wanted here on D.Katie Powell Art. It was a pivotal moment regarding various choices to teach in cyberspace. It happened in November, and so is a bit … Continue reading

Posted in art, art journal, Booby Gurl, journal, loss, memory, painting, pen & ink, process, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

She Sings Gratitude

My last tree of the season.  I had fun with my made-up trees; our cats had fun with their undecorated tree! She sings gratitude for her good fortune and prays for those in need. ☾ Aquabee Super Deluxe 9×9-inch (of … Continue reading

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Holiday Images

A challenge, accepted.  I had fun doing several trees and ornaments! Messy Messy Merry Merry! And a day of painting in our pajamas, eating sinful treats, and curling up for naps. My kinda holiday! May yours be peaceful and bright! … Continue reading

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