Sumi-e Painting, Volume 1 - Master the meditative art of Japanese brush painting (Paperback)

Reviews

"Fascinating and beautiful" by Kelly H. - 22 December 2019

Sumo-e (Japanese) or shuimo (Chinese) quick stroke painting is based on Chinese calligraphy and the focus of Virginia Lloyd-Davies new book Mindful Artist Sumi-e Painting. It is a fascinating and beautiful art form. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the various examples of it within the book, it’s visually gorgeous! I particularly appreciated the simplification of form in the insects and birds, such motion and beauty reflected in so few lines. It is a challenge to emulate that refinement but worth striving for. Each creation is carefully explained to help the reader get the strokes and composition correct and it’s easy to follow. In addition to the artistic guidance, focus is put on the meditative nature of art creation and how quietening one’s mind is beneficial to both the work and artist. Not correcting the form or spending time planning the artwork is central to this form and part of why it is so relaxing. The materials required to make this kind of art aren’t easy to find locally or to imitate so if you are looking to try it, be sure to source these items first. Because of this, I couldn’t execute the exercises given accurately but in my attempts, with watercolours and paintbrushes, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and found it really relaxing. If you are looking to understand this art form or give it a try yourself, this is a great book to pick up. It’s five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended.