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The Japanese Culture Center hosts a wide variety of classes, events, and demonstrations to explore the rich cultural heritage of artists and creators worldwide. Come join us for an immersive experience right in the heart of Chicago!

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Year of the Serpent (巳): Symbol of Wisdom and Rebirth

January 5, 2025 @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

- $30.00
Celebrate the Year of the Serpent with a sumi-e workshop as we explore wisdom and rebirth in a fun and interactive online event!

Year of the Serpent (巳): Symbol of Wisdom and Rebirth

Classe meets Virtually on Sunday Jan 5th 10:30AM-12:30PM

  • Introduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.
  • Zen Painting of ensō (円相) a circle hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes to express the Zen mind, which is associated with enlightenment, emptiness, freedom, and the state of no-mind.
  • The emphasis is on the process! The Class will review the foundations of Sumi-e.

Demonstrations of the “Vocabulary of strokes” followed by step-by-step guided instruction on how to paint a Serpent using the “Four Treasures” (The ink stick, the ink stone, brush and paper). Basic exercise on painting line, shapes, and texture. Class begins with a Zen lesson followed by breath and hand exercises.All levels are welcome, plan to let go and have fun while learning a few new stroke techniques. The emphasis is on the process!If you need course materials a full sumi-e kit is available here.Beginning Tutorial Lessons are on YouTube. Please subscribe to Larkin Green Studio YouTube Channel.

You will learn Exercises to expressively draw your Serpent, Practice some advanced brush techniques to capture the spirit of your Serpent, and be introduced to a technique (Tarashikomi) (a Japanese painting technique, in which a second layer of ink is applied before the first layer is dry. This effect creates a dripping form for fine details such as ripples in water, atmospheric clouds or spontaneous texture on the Serpent’s body.

All levels are welcome, plan to let go and have fun while learning a few new stroke techniques.

Date: Sunday Jan 5th: 10:30AM – 12:30PM

If you need course materials a full sumi-e kit is available here.The following brushes are recommended by Larkin Green Sensei:

The following paper is recommended:

Beginning Tutorial Lessons are on YouTube. Please subscribe to Larkin Green Studio YouTube Channel. New lessons will be added on a regular basisA Zoom link to join the class will be provided upon registering in the Eventbrite confirmation email.*Registration closes one hour prior to the class time.