Category Archives: journal

Garuda with Washes, Second

I am really happy with the Garuda above! I wanted him to come alive, and not be a statue on a dais as he is shown in my post from earlier this week. I began with a pencil sketch in … Continue reading

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Zen Cats and Watercolor Washes

After my frustration at Kiva Tearoom, I decided I needed to go back and just play with washes.  Middle of the night I read suggestions from several watercolor books on washes.  I sketched the Zazen Cats, fun images I come … Continue reading

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USk: Kiva Tearoom, NW Portland

I braved another day of sketching with the intention to sketch people in a crowded place. There were few people in today — what? — Saturday in Portland? This post is a big deal for me because I am posting … Continue reading

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USk: Drawing Around Portland

I haven’t had much time to paint anything this week but found moments in the car. Being back in a city is overwhelming in terms of the cacophony of lines and layers, rhythms and patterns.   (Yes I spelled that wrong … Continue reading

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Mimi and Pa’s Ranch

I wish my grandfather had not sold their ranch in California. I have all good memories there of family and being a kid and critters and holidays and making things and first riding a horse and shooting a rifle and … Continue reading

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USk: Palm Motor Hotel

Whenever I drive by the Palm Motor Hotel I get a little surge of home energy. It looks like motels I remember staying in when visiting Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. I’ve always loved these Mid-Century Modern signs. Today I … Continue reading

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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

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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

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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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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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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

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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 “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

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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

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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

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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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From My Earliest Art Journals on Design

I came across my old architectural journals the other day. Way way back in time I practiced architecture — in another life! Back in the old days we didn’t call it art journaling, it was just what many of us … Continue reading

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