japanese ink painting: beginner’s guide to sumi-e

Meditation with a brush: in sumi-e, which is Japanese for “ink picture,” the ultimate goal is to become so completely absorbed in the process that you achieve unity with the object you’re painting. Sumi-e captures the spirit of the rock, flower, bird, or landscape in strong, bold strokes. Beginners can start mastering this ancient art with an inspiring guide that introduces the essential materials (ink, stone, brush, and paper), the techniques (brush loading and basic strokes), and a wide range of projects. Re-create the orchid, bamboo, plum blossom, and chrysanthemum. These four subjects form the foundation of sumi-e, and the strokes used to paint them, including the right speed and pressure to apply, will prepare you for most others: animals, trees, flowers, mountains, clouds, water, and more. With tips on composition and ways to sign and mount your finished work, this is an invaluable introduction. “Sumi-e is my tie to simplicity in our increasingly complex world. I paint the world around me: rivers and forests, birds in my backyard, and flowers in my garden. I’m an avid outdoors traveler, and am always looking for the essence of my subjects, an inner heart. My personal goal is to remind us all of the beauty and joy in this world.” During the past thirty years, sumi-e has taken Susan to Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, and the U.S.A. She also shares her love of sumi-e by teaching students of all ages and backgrounds. Besides teaching and painting, Susan writes articles for art journals, provides illustrations/paintings for poetry books, edits the Sumi-e Society of America newsletter, designs and edits English and Japanese versions of corporate brochures, exhibits in museums and galleries, and raises three Scottish Terriers.! 9 X 11. all in color Create exquisite ink paintings that capture the essence and spirit of your subject, rather than exactly what you see. Sumi-e is is a painting technique, a feeling, and a philosophy that’s a very personal form of self-expression. Every stroke shows, and there’s no correcting or erasing. Think about your subject. What is its essential nature? What does it mean to you? Once you’re connected to it, you’ll see how to interpret it in brush and ink. Your work will be a joyful, creative experience.