Sumi-e Painting

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).

Patricia Larkin Green will be instructing 5 classes of Sumi-e (each 2 hr long). Advance at your own pace—you do not need to know how to paint with ink, all levels are welcome, and course materials will be provided. The emphasis is on the process!The Class will be introduced to the “Four Treasures” (The ink stick, the ink stone, brush and paper) and each class will begin with a demonstration then guided instruction on how to paint “The Four Gentlemen” (The lessons introduce the student to the four basic strokes groups). Advanced Students will work at their own pace discovering “idea” paintings.

The Four “Gentlemen” teach the foundational brushstrokes for Sumi-e:

Bamboo: thin stroke, wide stroke, side stroke are used to create bamboo stalks, twigs and leaves. The bamboo brush stroke teaches how to load the brush, apply pressure, and lift the brush.

Wild Orchid: long and short strokes, turning the brush and changing direction, and heart dots comprise the flowing grass stroke, and flower.

Chrysanthemum: more practice loading the brush, broad leaf strokes, curved and thicker brush strokes, thin line strokes (leaf veins), petals, light and dark create the fullness of the flower and depth of the leaves with expressive shapes.

Plum Blossom: Thick dry brush stroke (flying white brush stroke), dots and curved flower petals expand your expertise and control of the brush with a variety of sensitive and full strokes.

[Course materials will be provided and there is a 8 student limit, so please preregister. 5 weeks for $150.00 Drop in rate is $35.00.  Class times are Sunday from 10:00 to 12:00 pm : Sunday June 17th, 24th, July 1st, July 8th, & July 15th].

About the Instructor Patricia Larkin Green:

“As in life, if you make a mistake, you must go on, you cannot cover it up.”

“Sumi-e informs my painting; I begin with the meditative process, stretching to inhabit my subject matter and leaving the mark on paper with my impression. It is a lovely way to create.”

“Stanley-Jossem Sensei revealed painting as meditation to me. The sumi-e tradition of Asian ink painting from teacher to student moves in a continuum, with no end to the journey for truth. In sumi-e, the brush reveals your truth. The process is important. I learned hand to hand by observing hergracefully sway with her brush, dipping into her soul and tracing the ink like a gentle breath of life over delicate rice paper. I am honored to pass on this tradition.”