Category Archives: watercolor

VSW: Chicago, 1, Newberry Library

Posted on April 4, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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

Posted on April 3, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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 →

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Creativity: Stumbling Blocks + Play

Posted on April 2, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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

Gratitude Journal: Chocolate Bunny

Posted on March 31, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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

Laguna Starfish

Posted on March 27, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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 →

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How I Make Creative Decisions

Posted on March 24, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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

Posted on March 22, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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

Posted on March 21, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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 →

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Recipes, and Taking Classes!

Posted on March 17, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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 →

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Rich German on his Board

Posted on March 15, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

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 →

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Whales and Dolphins and Sea Creatures, Oh MY!

Posted on March 14, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

I’m using this “sketch-swim” to loosen up and try new things. I am in love with Reuven Dattner‘s wonderful sketching images. One thing I’ve wanted to try is the use of odd colored or complementary colored inks in a sketch. … Continue reading →

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Sugar Corn

Posted on March 13, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

Working from an image for the class, yellow watercolor pencil, Platinum Carbon pen…. Layering watercolors, yellow to deeper yellows and greens, to touches of pinks and Paynes grey, salt added, then white Pitt pen and splatters. I am taking an … Continue reading →

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Playing with Tracey Fletcher King, 2

Posted on March 13, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

My style, but trying to get the layering of watercolors to work from Tracey’s instructions, with under-painting then top detail painting. I am taking an online class by my favorite Aussie, Tracey Fletcher King, called Delicious Paint. Pentalic Nature Sketch … Continue reading →

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Eye to Eye with Humpback Baby

Posted on March 11, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

Rich German was eye to eye with a baby humpback whale. He took a picture, and allowed me to use it to sketch. I did this very quickly, and am happy with it. I only wish I could have the … Continue reading →

Posted in animals, art journal, color, pen & ink, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Playing with Tracey Fletcher King, 1

Posted on March 9, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

The great thing about taking a class is what you might be pushed to do if you follow try to follow almost follow another artist’s instructions. I am taking an online class by my favorite Aussie, Tracey Fletcher King, called … Continue reading →

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Tracey Fletcher King’s Delicious Paint

Posted on March 8, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

I am taking a course by my downunder buddy, Tracey Fletcher King. Why do I take classes?  I’m no expert (I know few watercolor experts) but I’m okay. . . I take them because I want to see what she’s … Continue reading →

Posted in class, creativity, watercolor | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Drawing Rich German’s Whales

Posted on March 3, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

Rich German lives in my home-town, Laguna Beach, and loves the ocean’s creatures.  He garnered international attention from his video of a close encounter with a pod of orcas.  (Board and Rich shown right.)  He garnered the attention of some … Continue reading →

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Kamala Steals the Blanket, 2

Posted on March 2, 2016 by D. Katie Powell

I tried this earlier but was not happy with the result, right, and decided to try it again.  I am happier with this one.  She is difficult to capture — black, but not, and suspicious!  I still used the Masking … Continue reading →

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