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Shozo Koike

A Beginner's Guide to Sumi-e: Learn Japanese Ink Painting from a Modern Master (Online Video Tutorials)

A Beginner's Guide to Sumi-e: Learn Japanese Ink Painting from a Modern Master (Online Video Tutorials)

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  • More about A Beginner's Guide to Sumi-e: Learn Japanese Ink Painting from a Modern Master (Online Video Tutorials)


This practical guide is perfect for those looking to try this ancient art form for the first time! Japanese master artist Shozo Koike reveals the simple secrets of Sumi-e, offering step-by-step instructions with clear photographs and online video tutorials. It uses only ink, water, a brush, and paper to capture natural objects and landscapes in a vivid, spontaneous fashion. The 19 traditional subjects taught include flowers, plants, fruits, animal figures, and the philosophy of Sumi-e, which emerges from the use of negative white space to enhance the painted forms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing


This comprehensive guide is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the ancient art of Sumi-e for the first time! Authored by renowned Japanese master artist Shozo Koike, this book offers a step-by-step approach, accompanied by clear photographs and online video tutorials, to guide you through the process of painting 19 traditional subjects. Sumi-e, a meditative Japanese form of ink painting taught by Zen Buddhist monks, aims to promote mindfulness and an appreciation for the surrounding environment. It utilizes only ink, water, a brush, and paper to capture natural objects and landscapes in a vibrant and spontaneous manner.

Koike begins by covering the essential equipment and the preparation of traditional ink in an inkstone. He then proceeds to demonstrate the 11 basic brushstrokes employed in all Sumi-e paintings. The 19 traditional subjects covered in this book include a wide range of floral arrangements, plants, fruits, animal figures, and more. Koike also delves into the philosophy of Sumi-e, which revolves around the use of negative white space to enhance the painted forms. By employing these techniques, readers are invited to immerse themselves in a world of infinite shades of gray, capable of evoking all the sensations of color.

Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner seeking to embark on a new creative journey, this guide provides valuable insights and techniques to help you master the art of Sumi-e. With its clear and concise instructions, accompanied by stunning visuals, it is an essential resource for anyone interested in exploring this captivating and timeless art form. So why wait? Start your journey into the world of Sumi-e today and discover the beauty and tranquility that this ancient art form has to offer!

Weight: 706g
Dimension: 261 x 307 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9784805316306

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