OVERVIEW
Join us in a virtual classroom to learn essential drawing and painting techniques. By observing the landscape and the natural world, students will develop a curious eye that will unfold the mysteries of light in the pictorial world. Working with both wet and dry media, participants will explore the properties of line, value, color, texture and composition.
THE PROCESS
Sumí-e is a brush ink painting technique that originated in East Asia. It is also a form of meditation that involves breathing and holding the brush mindfully.
In our Sumi-e intro class, we start our journey by developing a heightened appreciation for nature. Students are encouraged to take walks outdoors and sketch daily. While doing so, the eye of the painter uncovers new dimensions and tones from the environment.
After three weeks of classes, students will combine conceptual and stylistic elements. They will start by drawing basic brush strokes and shapes on rice paper. It is expected that once they gain comfort with these techniques that they will create new compositions that incorporate bamboo, mountains and foliage.
MINDFULNESS PRACTICES
Students will be encouraged to observe and reflect on each of the core elements that they work with: color, figure and line. Their study of these things should increase their familiarity with brush painting and the language of pictorial design. On occasion, students will also be asked to combine a haiku with a painting to add another dimension to the creative process.
This course also aims to enhance the students’ creative journey by encouraging them to cultivate their awareness. Students will be asked to meditate and take walks in nature to develop their receptivity to the beauty around them.