"If we study Japanese art, we see a man who is undoubtedly wise, philosophic and intelligent, who spends his time doing what? In studying the distance between the earth and moon? No. In studying Bismark's policy? No. He studies a single blade of grass." -- Vincent Van Gogh

In this lesson: You will learn the about the traditional style of Japanese ink painting and the development of the Sumi-e style. You will learn about the process of Japanese painting and the specific tools used in the creation of the artwork. You will develop an appreciation for nature and simplicity through the experience of visually thinking about painting. You will learn how to paint bamboo in the Sumi-e style.

Sumi-e Painting Sumi-e is a Japanese word that means “ink picture.” The ink is called “sumi.” When you put the “e” on the end of the word, it means “ink picture.” Black ink on white paper, simple, elegant and serene. Simplicity is the most outstanding characteristic of sumi-e. An economy of brush strokes are used to communicate the essence of the subject.

Ink painting was developed in China as early as 200 or 300 A.D. Landscape ink painting was developed from the 10th century onward and traveled to Japan and Korea via the Zen monks around 1300 A.D.

In a very strict sense, Sumi-e refers only to Japanese ink painting. But in the Western world, the term now refers basically to ink painting (with or without color) done on rice paper or silk. By this definition, whether the influence is Japanese, Chinese, or Korean is inconsequential.

The actual technique uses black as a color, and shades of black represent all the colors of the rainbow.

The “Four Gentlemen” “The Four Gentlemen” is a term used to refer to four sumi subjects: Orchid Bamboo Plum Blossom Chrysanthemum These are traditionally some of the first subjects a student learns how to paint. Each subject focuses on a different brush technique. They also represent the four seasons, and four desirable personality traits.

The plum blossom is spring, and the white blossoms signify character.

The orchid represents summer, and noble virtue.

The chrysanthemum represents autumn, as well as modesty and loyalty.

The bamboo symbolizes winter, strength and integrity.

A Sumi Master Wu Changshuo ( ) was a central figure in Chinese painting during the early years of the 20th century. His family was forced to flee the violence and the turmoil inflicted by the Taiping rebellion. Wu was eventually separated from his family and afterward dedicated himself to art.

Wu Changshuo influenced a later trend in painting that belonged to a Chinese artistic movement known as the Shanghai School. In China, Wu Changshuo is considered the best artist in painting, calligraphy, and chop stamping. Wu liked to use sharp contrast between light and dark and was a forerunner in the use a red color introduced from the west called “Western Red.”

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What are the “Four Treasures”? The Four Treasures are: Brush (Fud) Ink (Sumi) Ink Stone (Suzuri) Paper (Kami) Special brushes made in East Asia are used. The ink is not ink at all but consists of a formula of soot and glue made into a stick by a special process. This in turn is rubbed in water on an ink stone and forms what is called black ink, “sumi," in Japanese. The paper may be machine or hand made and is generically called rice paper.

Vocabulary Terms Sumi-e: Monochromatic ink painting style from 14 th century Japan developed by Zen Buddhist monks. The philosophy of painting deals with expressing the artist’s perception. Gradation: The gradual blending of one tint or tone with another. Value: The use of light and dark, shade and highlight, in an artwork. Chop: A special mark used by an artist to identify his/her work. Four Treasures: The ink, paper, brush, and ink stone used in sumi-e. Wash: Style of brushstroke where a large surface area is covered seamlessly with a coat of watered-down ink Monochromatic: A range of tones of a single color.

In brush painting, the brush is held perpendicular to the paper, almost at a right angle to the hand, and is firmly grasped at a considerable distance from the point by the thumb, index and middle finger. During the process of drawing, the fingers remain almost immobile and the work is done by the arm unsupported. Demonstration of sumi-e bamboo painting

Assignment: Practice painting bamboo as demonstrated in the video. Practice laying the brush down with a fair amount of ink, and dragging it a short space, pulling up and following through. This stroke will serve for the bamboo leaves (utilize the shape of the brush.) Experiment with different degrees of pressure on the brush. Hold the brush properly, at the center and keep it perpendicular to the paper.

After practicing the strokes, paint a single bamboo, starting with the stalk, proceeding to the joints, doing the branches next, and finally the leaves. Write your name on a sheet of drawing paper, and produce a finished work that uses the paper and has an interesting composition. Paintings can be stored on the drying racks at the back of the room.