An Introduction to Sumi-e

This course is an introduction to the basic elements of Sumi-e—Japanese ink painting—suitable for ages 12 and up, as well as for adult beginners. It provides general studio instruction and involves basic studio work in the expressive and illustrative Japanese ink painting techniques.

Students do not need to have previous experience in drawing but this is a plus. The course is designed for the beginning student in painting or drawing; however, since it will primarily concentrate on practice, and given that student attention will be mainly individualized, it is suitable for intermediate levels as well.

Instructor Katia Rodriguez

Katia Rodriguez, a bi-lingual native of Costa Rica and long-time member of the Vermont Zen Center, is an experienced artist and teacher. Katia graduated from the University of Costa Rica with a major in art and has taught people of all ages in universities, public and private schools since 1986.

 

 

 

What You Will Learn

• The basics of Sumi-e, the classic Japanese ink painting style famous for its unique and graceful simplicity.
  
  

• The handling and control of ink painting processes including learning ways to mix ink and apply it to different surfaces.
  
  

• The four basic brushstrokes of Sumi-e: the Four Gentlemen (the bamboo brushstroke, the wild orchid brushstroke, the chrysanthemum brushstroke and the plum branch brushstroke).
  
  

• How to create compositions which include the basics of value, line, space and texture.
  
  

• An additional objective is to explore a form and way of art outside the traditional fine arts or western styles, and thus to give students the opportunity to analyze their own reaction on oriental methods. In this sense, the course considers basic issues, such as how one sees and interprets a work of art in the West, so it also explores how this art is defined and how it works in its original culture.

 

Details

Dates/Time:	Not Scheduled for 2012
Location:	Vermont Zen Center 480 Thomas Road, P.O. Box 880 Shelburne, Vermont 05482 (802) 985-9746
Enrollment:	Minimum 6, maximum 14
Fee:	$250 includes all materials: brushes, paper, ink
Registration:

Examples of Sumi-e

Bodhidharma by
Zen Master Hakuin

Kingfisher by Musashi (c1645)