Category Archives: sketchbook

Bright Ideas: Parker Palmer Depression

Posted on February 8, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Parker Palmer, writer and activist, became known to me through his writings about depression.  I  find him grounding and thought-provoking.  His thoughts on the current state we find ourselves in are most comforting: “How do I stay engaged and whole … Continue reading →

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Campbell Valance

Posted on February 2, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

The embroidered velvet drapery at the Campbell House sticks in my mind… Amazing detail, lovely graceful, beautiful patterns. I’ve taken to playing with it in ink: I am still reading Krista Tibbett’s book, Einstein’s God.” Okay, I didn’t mean to … Continue reading →

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Cat Cozies

Posted on February 1, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Gads.  I’ve been putting this off long enough. Blankets and stolen sweaters that reminded me of Jai and/or Kamala. Cried through washing them.  The clean stack made me cry more. And old throw that was bleached then I tried to … Continue reading →

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Bright Ideas: Hopeful In Bad Times

Posted on January 31, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in … Continue reading →

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Tools: Time to Dream

Posted on January 29, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

New Moon, a day of silence. Sundays I talk about tools, and the biggest tool is our own bodies and hearts and minds. (Why do I think this is so dang funny — oh wait — the English call people … Continue reading →

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#18 on the Top Sketch Websites!

Posted on January 26, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Top 50 Sketch Websites & Blogs For Sketchers & Artists Woot!  I made #18 on the top sketch blogs for sketchers! I am not usually interested in awards but this is comparing me with some people who I think are … Continue reading →

Posted in class, creativity, drawing, memory, painting, pen & ink, process, sketchbook, watercolor, writing | Tagged , , , , | 29 Comments

VSW: Green Hotel, Pasadena, California

Posted on January 25, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Sketch to ink to grisaille to underpainting (for brightness) to final watercolor!. I spent a lot of time in Pasadena and love the Green Hotel! Above, pencil sketches and a relaxed layout of the entry and one end of the … Continue reading →

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Scarlett’s Dress

Posted on January 23, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Two different days, good anti-depression quotes. The one above is coming out of Einstein’s God by Krista Tippett, a very good book. I have no idea where the one below came from. A doll’s dress is in the studio for … Continue reading →

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Inauguration Day

Posted on January 22, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Layers of thoughts written in my journal on one line, watered with my brush to separate…. Hunter Thompson came after. ☾ Nostalgie Sketch Book Journal, with a Pentalic HB woodless pencil, Pilot Metropolitan with KWZ Ink’s Foggy Green.       … Continue reading →

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Rustic Happy Rooster Cup

Posted on January 19, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Like I said, rooster’s on my mind. We name some of our cups, and we have two sets of Happy Cups. Both have roosters on them, not by design but by happenstance, although maybe roosters = morning = creative time … Continue reading →

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CA Trip: Mitchell’s Moreton Bay Fig

Posted on January 17, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Mitchell took me to see his Moreton Bay Fig in Santa Paula.  I understand that. I have relationships with trees too, and this one is amazing. It was planted in 1879 — and yes, it is famous — and grows … Continue reading →

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Bright Ideas, Silver Roses

Posted on January 15, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Going back to my Bright Ideas journal for the 365 drawings a day. I love my Platinum Carbon pen but really, the ink is so reflective that it shines in scans and in photos… I don’t like THAT! That is … Continue reading →

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Chinese New Year

Posted on January 14, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Chinese New Year is the 28th, the year of the Fire Rooster. Rooster’s have been on my mind… Colored Verithin pencils, red and blue (not like me to pick THAT), then Loose ink lines with a wet watery brush to … Continue reading →

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Kamala Reflections

Posted on January 13, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

My grief when Jai died was overwhelming. I did not write much or draw him after — I have several starts, unfinished. Maybe I am just ready now to deal with the onslaught of grief that has been happening in … Continue reading →

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T. P.

Posted on January 12, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

At the New Year we also had a strange experience with toilet paper. Every time I sat I thought about Pema Chodron, and her commentary about staying present and having beginner’s mind with each item — as in, when I … Continue reading →

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The Tele Altar

Posted on January 11, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Across the divide… Cheer!  Happy! Our improvised tele altar after the New Year. Drawing #6 I am losing my mind. I drew this on 7 January, and signed it 7/12/2016… crazy. ☾ Nostalgie Sketch Book Journal, Pilot Metropolitan with KWZ … Continue reading →

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Ruby Hotel, Spokane, WA

Posted on January 10, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

Business trip to Spokane Washington and my overriding memory will be cold to the bones and good people and good food.  WHIRLWIND, long days. I was so frozen we climbed into our not-very-good bed upon walking in the door and … Continue reading →

Posted in art journal, creativity, drawing, furniture, ink painting, journal, painting, pen & ink, sketchbook, urban sketchers, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

New Year’s Day (Belated)

Posted on January 9, 2017 by D. Katie Powell

We’ve been on a business trip so only now posting what I’ve done since 1 January. I don’t do too many resolutions. I want to commit to a drawing a day. You can do this along with me by using … Continue reading →

Posted in art journal, creativity, ink painting, journal, pen & ink, process, sketchbook, urban sketchers, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments