Quick doodling sketches while waiting for yet
another crazy phone call from hospital staff…
NOTHING like art to calm and soothe!
Moleskin journal,
Platinum Carbon Pen with DeAtramentis Document Brown ink.
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook or
check out my new and improved dkatiepowellart.com
and sign up for my newsletter!
Smart Chicken is the first chicken available nationally (to my awareness, and please inform) that is Certified Humane®, and 100% of Niman Ranch’s meats – Pork, Beef, Lamb, and Processed Products like bacon – are Certified Humane®!
I’m sorry we need such a program, but we do.
Certified Humane® governs the way the meat is raised, and it is a great program which is all about making sure the animals are treated humanely.
Certified Humane® was born by people like myself who were disgusted by animal torture. We wrote and called and voting with our $$$ and also talked to the markets about what we wanted. Telling them when we didn’t buy their meat and
how disappointed we were in what was available has impact.
Yes, you can make a difference.
Smart Chicken also has amazing taste. It is coming in at New Seasons at
$2.79 to $3.99/pound, depending upon if it is Organic or not. (I buy organic when on
sale — freeze — or occasionally.) Because we eat so many beans, rice, and veggies the rest of the time, the cost of buying healthy meat in alignment with our values and health requirements has actually gone down. Smart Chicken also does not add water which all other companies do (unless you are buying a local chicken from the farm), which means you are not paying for added water, which also often has chemicals added to it. They don’t give you the wing tips, giblets, or necks — which MOST people don’t want — so you are not paying for that either. The birds don’t come stuffed with extra fat.
The point of this is that the chicken is actually well-priced!
The birds usually are a bit smaller, which we like, with less fattening up as
factory farms do, which is the way it ought to be, and that is healthier for you.
We use all the leftover drippings in our bean dishes because the birds are not so fatty!
The flesh is firmer, as if the bird has truly run around, but not tough at all.
They roast heavenly!
All the Smart Chicken is non-GMO, no hormones, and no fed antibiotics.
Organic is optional... and we feel okay about eating their non-organic chickens.
Smart Chickens are raised where they are killed, and are used to their handlers.
They are not placed in small cages and trucked many miles which scares the hell out of them. They are in a space just before they are killed whereby the oxygen
is slowly removed from the room, so they basically fall asleep without stress or fear.
Once asleep, they are slaughtered. No fear kills.
You can find out who carries Smart Chicken in your area here.
And we dropped buying any other meats
but Niman Ranch‘s sausages, ham, bacon, etc.
Their meats are non-GMO,
no hormones, and not fed antibiotics.
Organic is optional…
Their Apple Gouda Sausage is a
treat for us for breakfast!
You can find out who carries
Niman Ranch in your area here.
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook
or check out my new, improved dkatiepowellart.com
“Memory is more indelible than ink.”
Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
“I think not….”
Me… why I journal!
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
Charlie from Doodlewash posted his 1000th doodlewash today. His post is worth reading from beginning to end, and I concur. Great minds and all that.
At the end of the post he has three takeaways worth following!
One is about finding a group to share and post your images.
Doodlewash is such a group (come find me and ask for friendship),
and there are private groups on Facebook as well.
The reason it is good to share is you find out that your aaack-awful-gads-give-it-up beginnings are really not so bad, and maybe even good!
You might even encourage another reluctant artist to share also!
I love his Doodlewash Manifesto — Charlie is all about the positive,
and as a teacher, that is something I can get behind!!
My first 100% watercolor was the boat and water image…
Remember I was an artist before but worked acrylics and this is so different!
I was curious about when I started, and it was in January 2014, and I’m at 957 postings.
I’ve not counted my images, but I am sure I am over 1000 now, and it is true, that if you practice every day you will get better and better, developing a wonderful creative habit.
I work full-time, and often my mark-making is at night. I’d love to get out with
the local Urban Sketchers but Saturdays are working days for me…
When I was learning I did more challenges and painted what someone suggested…
As I found my way I migrated back to what I like doing, and I love journaling and painting alongside it, a record of what interested me in my life and what was troubling or wonderful about my days. Now I am all about that, unless I am entering a competition.
I doodle what I love, palms and moons and windows….
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
So much sadness in our country now.
I appreciate Joan and Jeff getting together in this.
The Atlantic covered the album release.
“The President Sang Amazing Grace” is performed by Joan Baez, written by Zoe Mulford, and animated in this video by Jeff Scher. It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.
I’m journalling daily in my Nostalgie with images almost every page…
Too personal to publish, as family is still alive.
This images was swirling around in my head for days in deep blue.
It has something to do with what I am walking through these days.
This page started off six pages of writing…
When I was done I needed the flower below, any flower, colorful,
happy, expansive to finish that bit off for now.
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook
or check out my new, improved dkatiepowellart.com
“Memory is more indelible than ink.”
Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
“I think not….”
Me… why I journal!
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
Drawing the Basilique Saint Michel Archangel in Menton, France on our virtual sketchwalk! This difficult image from Wikimedia caught my eye from the beginning.
I started with a pencil sketch. Again, dispelling the myth that you
should not use pencils. Frankly I hate all you-should-nots!
*funny, as I write this I wonder what I’d draw in gesture format…*
And, because I wondered what a gesture might be like, I did one!
*gesture is where you let your hand follow where your eye is looking,
though I spotted this more than I might have… but wanted to see
what it might look like without the pencil figuring!*
Covered up the images and went for it!
The only thing, is that I’d already studied the photo in pencil
and so, I that memory in head and hand.
*yup, hands have memory… why drawing something
100 times makes you know it! NOT all in your head!*
I finally invested in a couple of purple colors
*i am not drawn to them naturally and so for the longest time had only
the lovely Imperial Purple, still my favorite*
Daniel Smith’s Purpurite (a Primatek) was exactly the right color for
the base paint for lower half of the stairs. In fact, the base of the buildings
were all done in Primateks. Perfect for this part of the world.
I am so happy with the color work!
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook or
check out my new and improved dkatiepowellart.com
and sign up for my newsletter!
I started a Facebook group page (you must join to view) to allow everyone to share their virtual sketches, and also where we will, from time to time, take virtual sketch walks together. Come join us On Facebook if you are inclined!
If you want to know more about what a virtual sketchwalk is review my first post.
There are a few more notes/pointers on our first walk through Laguna Beach, California.
I also created an accompanying Flickr group!
☾
I agree to Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International License, which you can learn more about by visiting the site, or,
visit my web page for a more user-friendly summary on my terms.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
☾
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
Every year I am too busy OR the rains hit so fast that the blossoms drop.
This year I caught them!
I was out doing some disgusting errands with Mitchell
*IRS, SSI, government, ugh*
when we came upon the riverfront and saw the gorgeous cherry blossoms!
*never mind the grey im-gonna-rain skies*
Many peeps were out to see them on a Wednesday!
A lovely end to our outing, making it worthwhile!
*did i mention the governments offices could not help us?
of course. only its their job.*
We stopped so I could do a quick sketch of the scene, to paint later.
Middle-of-the-night I painted the scene.
Oddly, I used the ONE small palette I didn’t have by the bed,
*right? always I want what I don’t have!*
the palette meant for painting the Painted Ladies in the neighborhood.
I love line sketches… and this one I love more than the painted version…
Do you have a preference?
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook
or check out my new, improved dkatiepowellart.com
“Memory is more indelible than ink.”
Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
“I think not….”
Me… why I journal!
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
Yes, another Palette! I swear my last one (fingers crossed!)
Jenn understands that I paint in bed in the middle of the night
AND like lots of colors. On her recommendation (Just Add Water Silly)
I bought the Derwent Empty Pencil Tin with TWO layers.
I used to have these four travel palettes by my bed.
It was quite a juggling act at night if I wanted to use colors in 2-3 palettes.
*YES, I know I could’ve limited myself to 22 pigments but I don-wanna!!*
Now I have one palette with two tiers,
and wow what this tin can hold!
I have nine of my favorite Primateks,
my basic travel palette colors,
and have space to swap out colors
I want to try and compare — like the row of similar oranges (they look the same
but they are varying in opacity and brands,
and I am seeing which suits my images more…)
I have room to have a couple of
special shortcut mixes on hand too!
BTW, I removed the lid, and I think I can always reattach it if I wanted to… it was a simple pin mechanism. While I don’t try big washes in
bed as I love my sheets, I appreciate a few small
mixing tins magnetized to the inside lid do
the trick when I want to mix colors, and
I can use the entire tin lid if pushed for a big wash.
What about my old ones? Into the travel bag
they go, ready for action outdoors! They stack
neatly on one side, or I only take what I want that day.
My new Derwent will not be going on outings!
Current colors, above, which I am sure will change some as I play with this new tin>
BTW, not sure I love the magnetized pans for paints… the magnets are not that strong and not as secure. It is nice to easily swap out a paint but if these are dropped they go flying!
*do you really want to know how I know that?*
The images below were part of my maiden voyage with my new palette!
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook
or check out my new, improved dkatiepowellart.com
“Memory is more indelible than ink.”
Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
“I think not….”
Me… why I journal!
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
I’ve studied through the slogans a dozen times in my life;
these are my musings on the slogan currently, not a formal interpretation.
For that reason they are less about straight Buddhist teachings,
and I think able to be shared with most practitioners of other faiths or no faith
(unless yours doesn’t allow you to read any other tradition.)
If you have time and the inclination, I published the WHOLE thang here!
This week when I opened to the next slogan, I was transported back in time.
I was in my twenties, at the Boddhi Tree on Melrose (RIP Boddhi Tree).
I was thumbing through Buddhist and Taoist books as I often did late at night,
And I came upon the Refuge Vow.
Reading it stirred my heart.
I had a feeling I was coming home.
The vow felt so right, as we are all in this craziness together.
No person left behind, eradicating suffering…
I sat and took the vow by myself, to myself.
It took that first time.
Keeping the refuge vow has been confusing at times,
because sometimes it mean doing nothing, so to do no harm.
That has been the hardest.
And frankly, I don’t know why they call it the “Refuge Vow” —
I call it the Boddhisattva Vow.
And it was what made me want to start Tonglen. The practice of sending and taking wiht the breath has been my main and best practice, even better than sitting zazen.
A decade later I would take refuge formally with Chagdud Rinpoche,
but I know when I really took the Boddhisattva Vow — alone that night at the Boddhi Tree.
Next week I will talk about the other two of the “three basic principles,”
Being that this slogan is such a pithy one for me!
Okina Journal, with pen and ink, and water…
Diamine Ancient Copper ink.
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook
or check out my new, improved dkatiepowellart.com
In this weekly commentary on the lojong, I am not open comments becoming
a debate for people to nitpick Buddhism or my interpretations of Buddhist concepts.
(There are lots of places for debates.) I am more interested in hearing about
YOUR life or how the lojong affected you or your practice awakening in some manner.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook
or check out my new, improved dkatiepowellart.com
“Memory is more indelible than ink.”
Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
“I think not….”
Me… why I journal!
Aquabee Super Deluxe Journal, Fineline Masking Fluid,
Platinum Carbon Pen with Platinum Carbon ink waterproof cartridges,
Da Vinci, MGraham, DS Primatek and Daniel Smith Watercolors.
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
Last year was the first year I participated in the Sketchbook Project, the project out of Brooklyn whereby people from all over the world buy a small sketchbook, fill it,
choose to have it imaged or not, and it sits in the museum and/or travels the country!
Last year the options were Hope OR Fear, and given what is going on in the USA
I changed the rules, as I am often want to do, and went with Hope AND Fear.
I wrote everything honestly in journal style, then redacted all that
might be used against me in a totalitarian government.
This year I participated in the Sketchbook Project again, but also, am participating in the Canvas Project. My word is BEDLAM! Anyone else participating?
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook
or check out my new, improved dkatiepowellart.com
“Memory is more indelible than ink.”
Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
“I think not….”
Me… why I journal!
☾
Sketchbook Project Journal (the worst paper) with a Pentalic HB woodless pencil,
Lamy Al-Star with De Atramentis Document Black ink,
Platinum Carbon Pen with Platinum Carbon ink waterproof cartridges,
Pentel Aquash Water Brush filled with ink or liquid watercolors.
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
☾
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
For Valentine’s Day Mitchell gifted me with the Lamy Al-Star in the new pink
*flowers and pens and ink and watercolors, the man knows the way to my heart*
but the color was really meh… not bright fuchsia or magenta but a softer mauvie-pink.
I returned it… neva-gonna-use-it so thought it best.
Just in time for St. Patty’s Day came a lovely yellow-green TWSBI ECO with a 1.1stub nib to replace it! WOWWEE! Great color! I inked it with Rohrer & Klingner Alt-Goldgrun
ink and took her out for a spin last night and she is amazing. I get why people
love this pen so much. Smooth from the start, and holds a TON of ink!
Compared to the Lamy Al-Stars a smoother writing pen.
I wish the nibs were changeable… I guess I’ll need two!
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook
or check out my new, improved dkatiepowellart.com
“Memory is more indelible than ink.”
Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
“I think not….”
Me… why I journal!
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
Quick doodling sketches while waiting for yet
another crazy phone call from hospital staff…
NOTHING like art to calm and soothe!
Moleskin journal,
Platinum Carbon Pen with Platinum Carbon ink waterproof cartridges,
Da Vinci, Holbein, MGraham, DS Primatek and Daniel Smith Watercolors.
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook or
check out my new and improved dkatiepowellart.com
and sign up for my newsletter!
I started a Facebook group page (you must join to view) to allow everyone to share their virtual sketches, and also where we will, from time to time, take virtual sketch walks together. Come join us On Facebook if you are inclined!
If you want to know more about what a virtual sketchwalk is review my first post.
There are a few more notes/pointers on our first walk through Laguna Beach, California.
I also created an accompanying Flickr group!
☾
I agree to Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International License, which you can learn more about by visiting the site, or,
visit my web page for a more user-friendly summary on my terms.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
☾
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
I am walking through stressful family times and painting late at night
when I can’t sleep is a soul-saver. An image with a CC agreement from
Daniel70mi Falciola took me away, with the bright blue sky and sea.
I have to say I am having fun catching images of the paintings…
Sometimes I like them more than the sketches themselves!
Moleskin journal,
Platinum Carbon Pen with Platinum Carbon ink waterproof cartridges,
Da Vinci, Holbein, MGraham, DS Primatek and Daniel Smith Watercolors.
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook or
check out my new and improved dkatiepowellart.com
and sign up for my newsletter!
I started a Facebook group page (you must join to view) to allow everyone to share their virtual sketches, and also where we will, from time to time, take virtual sketch walks together. Come join us On Facebook if you are inclined!
If you want to know more about what a virtual sketchwalk is review my first post.
There are a few more notes/pointers on our first walk through Laguna Beach, California.
I also created an accompanying Flickr group!
☾
I agree to Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International License, which you can learn more about by visiting the site, or,
visit my web page for a more user-friendly summary on my terms.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
☾
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
My mom may be unable to stay in her apartment.
This is hard for us, harder for her.
Fortunately, not one of her friends, doctors, nurses, etc., disagrees with us,
which helps to make the decision clear-cut.
Still, is is a huge decision and effort, and we are still gathering the facts,
as she’d be happier in her own little apartment.
I wrote a lot about my mom this week in my journal, as I didn’t do anything
but engage her and medical people and Medicaid… my work went on hold.
Our system is corrupt and we are a cruel country, another story for another time.
The thing is, that I love my mom — the good parts of her —
and would be willing to love the bad parts if they weren’t so bad they aim to destroy.
We are all a mixed bag.
But when the toxic is treacherous you either get eaten or you draw boundaries.
I’ve had boundaries, and now, that boundary is to not speak with her again, maybe ever. Something is snapping in her… and I am the one she wants to take down with her,
she blames me and though I’ve not had any power nor any part in her troubles, nor has my brother, frankly. She’s always been worse with women.
My brother is taking over.
She did a lot for me, including keeping me safe, which many parents don’t,
as they are sometimes the ones who a child must be rescued from.
She taught me confidence, how to persevere, gave me a good dose of self-esteem
to help me try for the difficult things I wanted in life, and how to keep myself safe
when I was older. AND, in this very mixed bag, long ago I realized that she was a treacherous human being to all us kids once we began to grow up.
Undermining, verbally abusive, and yes, even criminal… especially to her kids.
So I will love the good memories of her,
and assist my brother in the background.
Why share this? Because there are so many people who have abusive family
members and it is never talked about. Silence breeds shame and people suffer more.
The wheelchair wheel was a backdrop for a lot of this writing; I’ve shared
just a bit publicly. Hard to share the really personal things.
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook
or check out my new, improved dkatiepowellart.com
“Memory is more indelible than ink.”
Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
“I think not….”
Me… why I journal!
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
I’ve had a pencil sketch of Jai in my moleskin for two years.
I sketched it from one of the last pictures we took of him.
I penciled it just after he died, and I’ve been unable to finish it.
Of course, that also effectively put my moleskin journal on hold
because every time I opened it I saw the unfinished sketch of one of my
most beloved buddies, and that nagged at me.
At the time, yes, I hadn’t drawn many cats… but my reluctance was more than that.
I wrapped my mind around doing a great piece that would honor my Jai Cat.
What a mistake to lay that pressure on myself!
Perhaps because of my commitment to finishing off my odd journals,
or because my mother is careening toward her own end
or maybe it had to do with the video I was sent for a group I lead,
*not that I am promoting this art group — I know nothing about them*
but I was determined to push through this damn page.
I let go of honoring him, of making it this big deal, and just painted.
*then a big drop of dark grey ink dripped on his face… oh well*
Its not my best work, but it is done, and I did capture one of his expressions.
And I will do others of him… I have a jillion good pictures!
On the opposite page to Jai were sketches about the cats missing him.
Also stalled.
We have a lovely lotus candle holder and when we got his ashes back placed
them near the lotus on my desk… unlit, of course.
I started my sketch by painting the lotus, and letting the Primatek colors run…
Kamala and he did not get along.
Yet she searched daily for her nemesis.
Sammy had the oddest reaction, especially as he never gets up on my desk.
He rubbed all over Jai’s wooden urn, purring and purring.
Jai was one of his best buddies.
None of this is my best work, but I’m satisfied now,
happy that I began again in this journal and in painting him.
To hear about classes, follow me on Facebook or
check out my new and improved dkatiepowellart.com
and sign up for my newsletter!
©D. Katie Powell.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
As my Patreon supporter, you will have
access to some content not on this website,
sneak previews, goodies, discounts on classes.
I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
That annoying loud-mouth editor/critic in your head? GONE! How great would that be?
Commercial Break
I had to share… Dan Antion wrote about commercials and damn I watched these
and cried… uplifting. After the last couple weeks I needed a good laugh and cry for schmaltzy sentimental reasons… Puppies and love and a horse that remembers…
Why are so many commercials negative?
Nope… not about art at all….
My favorite starts at .52 seconds….
PS. I don’t drink beer. Or Budweiser. Just so you know.
I'd love it if you shared this; please mention my blog name!