Category Archives: watercolor

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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Happy Imbolc

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

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

Posted in art journal, history, journal, memory, painting, sketchbook, watercolor, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 21 Comments

Honu Turtle Doodle

Just a doodle.  My grandma loved turtles and I love sea turtles. BTW, some of my turtles are for sale in my Redbubble shop! Aquabee Super Deluxe 9×9-inch journal with a Platinum Preppy fountain pen, Noodler’s Heart of Darkness ink … Continue reading

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The current palette and brush

Shari Blaukoft is one of my favorite painters to follow. Here is a recent posting of her current palette on her new blog post, and also links to Parkablogs, which is another great blog to follow if you are a … 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

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

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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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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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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

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

Posted in art journal, painting, recipe, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments