Sumi-e

Sumi-e: The Art of Japanese Painting is a wonderful addition to sources in English about this ancient art. This is no mere 'how to' book. Author Shozo Sato brings a complete picture, from its early history to the present for the reader. The tools, the methods and, most importantly, the artistic philosophy are all explained. It is a perfect book for the newcomer to sumi-e but it also covers more modern experimental techniques and subjects for the experienced painter. The illustrations are beautiful and the stunning large painting, Fury of the Pacific, gives the reader an in-depth view of a masterpiece of 20th-century ink painting. No library of Japanese painting should be without this publication. --Betzi Robinson, former President of the Sumi-e Society of America; former Editor of Sumi-e Magazine; Vice-President of the National Capital Area Chapter of the Sumi-e Society [Shozo Sato's] practical and beautifully illustrated guide to sumi-e aims to 'take the hand of the student and guide him or her'...To really develop your skills in Japanese ink painting, you can enjoy all of Sato Sensei's advice and accompanying videos -- from basic equipment all the way to the most advanced painting techniques -- in his easy-to-follow, comprehensive guide, Sumi-e: The Art of Japanese Ink Painting. -- Japan Objects Shozo Sato presents Sumi-e: The Art of Japanese Ink Painting as a technically inclined instruction manual on how to paint using black ink, but you can also learn a great deal from his philosophical musings. Despite his main focus on sumi-e, his writing weaves through beautiful color photographs and diagrams, prompting wonder by examining the fundamental reasons why we make art. The instruction itself is not overly direct, nor does Sato take himself too seriously. It is the grey area between technical details and abstract thoughts that make this book special. -- Kyoto Journal