Community Canvas is an initiative presented by The Culture Show where GBH features artwork from community members on our Digital Mural.
Today’s mural, Tree Cats by Jackie Powell, is a gouache and digital study of a tree with mysterious ghost-like cats. Originally, this was a simple study of a tree Powell found in a nearby park, but the painting was missing something.
Months after thinking of what she could do to make this painting feel like a complete illustration, Powell added ghost kitties hanging out in the branches to add a narrative. “Whenever I feel stuck on what to draw or paint, I have a motto for myself: when in doubt, draw cats!” Powell says.
Powell is a Boston-based illustrator, concept designer, and art administrator. She received her B.F.A. in Illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2025.
See more of Powell’s work at jackiepowellart.com
