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.
By:
Akemi Lucas
Imprint: Herbert Press Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 244mm,
Width: 188mm,
Spine: 14mm
Weight: 586g
ISBN: 9781789941630
ISBN 10: 1789941636
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 04 February 2025
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction: Listen to the sound of your brush Suibokuga: History, tools, materials and basic practice Shikunshi: Orchid – bamboo– chrysanthemum – plum blossom Bokusaiga: Magnolia – sunflower – persimmon – crocus – poppy – cherry – rose – wisteria – peony – cosmos/dragonfly – tulips/butterfly – grapes/sparrows Bokashi and Shironuki: Sunset maple – moonlit cherry – moonlit azalea – sunset spider lily – koi fish – lotus in pond – hydrangea in rain – camellia in snow Finishing touches Supporting the Paper Maintenance and Tips Resources Glossary Sample Sheets for Atari Quick Visual Reference
Akemi Lucas is a Japanese calligraphy master and sumi painter based in the UK. When she qualified as a calligraphy master at the age of 24, her master gave her the name ‘Koshu’ (Red Autumn). Her distinctive calligraphy and painting style unites the ancient and the modern, celebrating eastern and western influences. She teaches calligraphy and sumi painting, has released popular sumi courses with Domestika, and has exhibited her work internationally.
Reviews for Sumi-e: The Mindful Art of Japanese Ink Painting
Whether you want to use this simply to develop your brush skills, or to explore the sumi-e technique in details, there is plenty to enjoy and get your teeth into here. * The Artist * An exceptional introduction to Sumi-e, blending mindfulness, technical skill, and cultural insight. * Japan Society London *
