Sumi-e: The Mindful Art of Japanese Ink Painting

Japanese sumi painting combines calligraphic lines and blank spaces to capture the essence of nature, with projects starting with orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum blossom and increasing in complexity through fruits and flowers to water, insects, and birds. Akemi Lucas's guide provides equipment, brush positioning, ink-mixing techniques, and mindset needed to excel at this delightful art form.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Japanese sumi painting is a captivating art form that uses brushes and ink washes to create beautiful and expressive works of art. It has its roots in Zen Buddhism and aims to capture the essence and natural vitality of a subject rather than creating a realistic representation. The art form focuses on flowers and plants, and the projects start with orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum blossom, known as "The Four Gentlemen." As the projects progress, they become more complex, including fruits and flowers, water, insects, and birds. The guide includes important advice on background washes and other advanced techniques that will add sophistication to your work. To prepare for sumi painting, it is important to clear your mind and create a peaceful environment. You will need a set of brushes, ink, paper, and a container for water. The brushes should be of different sizes and shapes, and the ink should be mixed with water to create the desired consistency. The ink should be applied to the paper in a series of strokes, and the brush should be moved in a circular motion to create the desired shape and texture. The blank spaces in the painting are just as important as the calligraphic lines, and they should be carefully thought out to create a balanced and harmonious composition. Sumi-e painting can be a challenging and rewarding art form, and it is a great way to connect with nature and your inner self. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished artist, there is always room to grow and improve your skills. With the help of this guide, you can create beautiful and expressive works of art that will inspire others.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 248 x 192 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789941630