Category Archives: sketchbook

IFJM 1.1: Travel

Posted on April 2, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

On the first leg of the trip I stowed my backpack overhead.  I re-read a bit of the Moore/Lyndon book on architecture, “Chambers for a Memory Palace” and dozed twice. Writing to you especially and posting to this private blog … Continue reading →

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IFJM 1: Sleeplessness

Posted on April 1, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

April Fool’s Day 2015 ver went to sleep, not really.  Laid down but could not sleep and so, I stayed up.  Too excited about the trip, plus I had to connect one last time with Jai and the kids before … Continue reading →

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Ganesha

Posted on March 19, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

Ganesha is calling again.  Maybe it is spring, new beginning? If you want to know how far you can get by regularly practicing watercolor, take a look at my favorite small resin Ganesha in February 2014 and in July 2014! … Continue reading →

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USk: Glisan’s Painted Ladies

Posted on March 16, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

I drive by these painted ladies several times a week, always thinking I should give them a go.  The complicated details and the colors were a challenge for me to do loosely and not too “architectural.”   I wanted them to … Continue reading →

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Review: Pentalic Field Book

Posted on March 11, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

I did a quick sketch to try out my new Pentalic Field Book.  140lb. Acid Free; Cold Pressed; Exceptional wet strength; Professional grade watercolor paper. I love their pencils — my favorite — and they are an Oregon company: I … Continue reading →

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USk: Montavilla Sewing Center and DEQ

Posted on March 10, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

Mitchell sews on machines; I do not.  I used to follow him around for a while at the sewing centers and drive him crazy behaving like a five-year-old, then go sit with the husbands waiting for their wives. Now I … Continue reading →

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Green Tara, One

Posted on March 7, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

She is based on our Ganges River clay version of Green Tara. A challenge for me, she is very colorful and detailed, AND, I am still pushing for a loose wash effect. Not completely happy with her but not bad … Continue reading →

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USk: 26th Street, WHAT IF?

Posted on March 6, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

Took a walk and sketched in our studio’s neighborhood, buildings I look at all the time. I was able to sketch both of them, and it was a bit like old times, architectural sketches. They are both shades of grey: … Continue reading →

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Thai Buddha, One

Posted on March 5, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

He is an unassuming little black resin Thai Buddha. I see him in color, looking so sweet. Aquabee Super Deluxe Journal, with a Pentalic 2B woodless pencil, Platinum Preppie Pen, De Artramentis Document ink, and Daniel Smith and Holbien watercolor … Continue reading →

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Late Night: Cozy Catz and Lettering

Posted on March 4, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

I am dissatisfied with my lettering. I hear my mother’s voice telling me I used to have such nice lettering! I know I never quite mastered architectural lettering, and now all of a sudden I care.  Geesh.  So I am … Continue reading →

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Garuda with Washes, Three

Posted on February 20, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

On this final (for now) Garuda, here is the story of Mitchell’s Garuda. Mitchell and I were buying statues from a Tibetan man in Nepal (long story, another time) and had never met him nor spoken with him. An anthropologist … Continue reading →

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USk: Nick’s Italian Cafe, McMinnville

Posted on February 15, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

McMinnville Oregon is a sleepy town with great places to eat, and a wonderful art store (Merriartist) which is staffed by people who either know the products or say they don’t, a refreshing change from overly huge chain stores that … Continue reading →

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Garuda with Washes, Second

Posted on February 13, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

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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Garuda with Washes, The First

Posted on February 12, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

I continue to work the various levels in washes, learning as I go.  I worked with one of Mitchell’s favorite statues (right) which has a lovely history, which I will tell you all about in one of these posts when … Continue reading →

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Zen Cats and Watercolor Washes

Posted on February 9, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

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

Posted on February 8, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

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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Happy Imbolc

Posted on February 2, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

The groundhog saw his shadow; more snow, which is a GOOD thing. Prayers to Brigit should be said at sunset.  Brigit is the patroness of poetry, blacksmithing, cattle, sacred wells, and the arrival of early spring May I become at … Continue reading →

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USk: Drawing Around Portland

Posted on February 1, 2015 by D. Katie Powell

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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