What is Sumi-e? All levels of experience are welcome, and all materials will be provided. “If we study Japanese art, we see a man who is undoubtedly wise, philosophic and intelligent, who spends his time doing what? … He studies a single blade of grass.” -Vincent van Gogh Sumi-e, also called Suiboku-ga, is the art of ink wash-painting. Characteristically, it is an East Asian art, and has been practiced there for well over a thousand years. Sumi-e depicts the spirit or essence of an object or scene rather than its outward appearance — and does so in the fewest possible strokes. Because of this simplicity, the painter’s character and personality come through in his/her work. In both viewing and creating, Sumi-e is a very contemplative form of painting. All students will start from the basics of ink-wash painting, such as how to hold a brush. All materials such as ink, brushes, calligraphy paper, etc. will be provided for the students.