Sumi-e

Learn the engaging art of Japanese sumi painting, where simple sweeps of the brush capture the essence of nature.

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 your brush.

Table of Contents
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