Sumi-e: The Mindful Art of Japanese Ink Painting

(Paperback)

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Explore the engaging art of Japanese sumi painting.

Sumi-e is a Japanese art that exclusively uses brushes and ink washes to combine calligraphic lines and blank space in subtle drawings and paintings. Traditionally focusing on flowers and plants, this is a mindful art form with roots in Zen Buddhism, where the focus is on capturing the essence and natural vitality of the subject, rather than creating a realistic representation.

In this beautifully illustrated step-by-step guide, master calligraphic artist Akemi Lucas describes the equipment, brush positioning, ink techniques, and mindset you will need to create seamless, sweeping strokes of the brush in black and coloured inks. Ideal for beginners and accomplished sumi-e artists, the projects start with orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum blossom, also known as the four gentlemen, and increase in complexity through fruits and flowers, to water, insects, and birds.

Clear your mind, immerse yourself in the moment, and create natural wonderlands in ink with simple sweeps of the brush.

Author Bio

Akemi Lucas is a Japanese calligraphy master and sumi painter. Qualifying as a calligraphy master at the age of 24, she was given the name Koshu (Red Autumn) by her master. Her distinctive calligraphy and painting style unites the ancient and the modern, celebrating eastern and western influences. Based in the UK, Koshu teaches calligraphy and sumi painting classes, holds workshops and demonstrations, and has exhibited her work internationally.She has collaborated with clients such as Kokoro Gin, the World Rugby Awards, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and was also featured in the Tokyo Weekender magazine.She has also released two sumi painting courses with Domestika, which have been completed by over 9000 students.

Website: https://koshujapaneseart.co.uk/