Artists who loved The Simple Art of Chinese Brush Painting will find themselves equally enamored of this exquisite companion volume on Sumi-E, a classic, delicate Japanese style of ink painting. All the techniques to create works of outstanding beauty are here, presented by Takumasa Ono, a master and teacher of many years' experience. He begins by looking at the "Four Treasures" of Sumi-E (paper, brushes, ink, and stone), and demonstrates simple brushstrokes and traditional ways of composing the picture. Fifteen easy, yet lovely projects range from greeting cards to wall paintings, from decorated fabrics to tiles. A special feature is an "Inspirations" chapter with 100 common Western first names done in calligraphy, as well as haikus and Zen proverbs to enhance the projects.

Sumi-e is the ancient art of Japanese brush painting. These evocative paintings, also known as ink pictures, traditionally feature subjects from the natural world such as flowers and birds.

Using a minimum of brush strokes to convey the essence of a subject, sumi-e artists create delicate, elegant works of art that are universally appealing. Painting is a form of meditation that brings peace and harmony to the artist. The finished pieces are intended to inspire the same sense of tranquility and joy in the viewer.

In The Simple Art of Sumi-e, you'll master all the techniques you'll need to know to create striking paintings and also learn the spiritual aspects of this unique art form.

Respected artist and teacher Takumasa Ono begins by looking at the "Four Treasures" of sumi-e: paper, brushes, inks, and the ink stone. He goes on to describe the brushstrokes and provides step-by-step sequences showing traditional composition techniques.

Fifteen lovely projects offer you the chance to put your new skills into practice. Create a set of ceramics decorated with falling leaves; a silk painting of floating flowers in the breeze; chopstick holders decorated with fish, flowers, and birds; a canvas cushion featuring rolling waves; and more. Stunning variations are provided for many of the projects.

The Simple Art of Sumi-e includes calligraphic samples of 100 popular Western first names so that you can personalize your work, plus a series of greetings and haikus For you to use in your own projects.

You will enjoy learning sumi-e and creating paintings for years to come.

Introduction

The History of Sumi-e

Materials

 Paper-Washi

 Brushes-Fude

 Ink Sticks and Ink Stones-Sumi and Suzuri

 Preparing to Practice

Teehniques

 Mixing Ink

 Holding the Brush

 The Strokes: The Rhythm of the Line

 Creating Lines: The Soul of Ink

 Creating Flowers: Blossom

 Creating Flowers: The Iris

 Flower Subjects and Composition

 Creating Birds

 Bird Subjects and Composition

 Creating Animals

 Animal Subjects and Composition

 Creating Landscapes

 Landscape Composition

 Composition Images

The Projects

 Greetings Cards

 Canvas Cushion of the Ocean

 Flower and Bamboo Tiles

 Falling-leaf Ceramics

 Framed Shiki-shi

 Fruits of the Vine Wine Label

 Chopstick Holders

 Scented Sachets

 Camellia Lampshade

 The Spirit of Nature: Open-air Sketching

 Bamboo Tablemat

 Kite of the Dragon Warrior

 Silken Iris Wrap

 Making a Bamboo Brush

 Making a Seal

 Mounting

Inspirations

 Heige: Wisdom of the Spirit

 100 Western Names

Acknowledgments

Index