Sumi-e is a Japanese ink painting technique, working with minimal brushstrokes and the power of simplicity. The technique has roots in Zen Buddhism and calligraphy. It involves working in black ink with special brushes on rice paper in this sometimes meditative form of painting.
What will we be doing?
In quick strokes, we will look for shapes and lines to represent natural elements: flora, fauna, water, and stones. We will work with black ink and special brushes using lots of water on wafer-thin rice paper. After exploring the materials, we will make a first draft and experiments, then when we are a bit accustomed to the brushes and the technique, we will work on a series of paintings to take home at the end of the day.
