Sumi- e is something I have been wanting to try out for a long time. It’s ink painting on rice paper, and if I’ve understood correctly it originated from China.
I recently finished my first ever commission work, so I treated myself to some sumi-e supplies:
The book I got last spring, it’s titled “The simple art of sumi-e-mastering Japanese ink painting”. The roll includes some rice paper, the black oval thingy is an ink stone and then there are some Chinese ink sticks. I got these in the mail today, I ordered them online and didn’t expect them to look so very pretty! I also got some new watercolor brushes and lovely handmade heavy watercolor paper.
Here’s the commission work I finished, it’s a portrait of my second cousin’s Belgian shepherd:
This took me over a week even though I worked on it every day. I was also working at the local school that week, and during the weekend I got a nasty migraine. So unfortunately I don’t have any other new work to show for now. This is in watercolor, approx. 12 x 9 inches, 32 x 24 cm.
Now I’m off to eat my husband’s delicious reindeer fry, and after dinner I might look into that sumi-e painting. I do have some embroidery stuff tempting me also, I’m stitching a replica of an antique school girl sampler from France.
The face of this lovely dog is so expressive. You have captured the gentleness and your painting is just beautiful. I have played with Sumi-e a little this year. One tip I received from a more experienced artist is to buy supplies from OAS (Oriental Art Supplies). You might check out their website. Another tip – don’t be afraid to practice on newsprint and Cheap Joes (and others) sell a magic paper that allows you to practice with water and your strokes disappear when the paper dries so you can use it again and again. Have fun!
Thanks for commenting and thanks for the sumi-e tips, too!