Sumi-e: The art of Japanese ink painting
Weekend art making course
14 May 2022 10.30am - 5.30pm15 May 2022 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£480. Includes all materials.
Friends of the RA book first
Kyōsai: The Israel Goldman Collection
Terms and conditions
Learn the subtle art of combining brush and ink through the ancient practice of Japanese Sumi-e.
Enrich your drawings by learning the subtle art of Japanese ink painting. This course considers the traditional subject matter of Sumi-e: the natural world.
Expert tutor Takumasa Ono will take you through the ‘four treasures’ of Sumi-e: the paper, the brush, the ink and the stone. You’ll learn how to choose and care for Sumi-e brushes; about the varieties of Japanese paper; and how the traditional black ink can be manipulated to produce a range of effects, before experimenting with colour. You’ll develop your ink painting skills and produce a number of artworks to take home with you.
Sumi-e, or Japanese ink painting, has been practised in Japan since the fourteenth century, when Zen Buddhist monks from China brought over their own uses of ink. Japanese Sumi-e today harnesses the power of the line to combine bold brushstrokes with poetry, creating paintings in which each element is alive.
Takumasa Ono has been the National Trust’s official artist of Japan, and has produced artworks of more than 100 National Trust properties. His book The Simple Art of Sumi-e: Mastering Japanese Ink Painting has been published in the UK, USA, France and Russia, and he was commissioned to produce Sumi-e for the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay (the national art centre of Wales).
This weekend course is part of our Kyōsai: The Israel Goldman Collection exhibition programme and will include an exclusive guided visit to the exhibition, where we will study celebrated Japanese painter Kawanabe Kyōsai’s bold and imaginative ink painting techniques.
Covid-19 update: We are looking forward to welcoming you back in a way that ensures everyone's safety. Numbers will be limited to allow for social distancing, and we will be following the latest government guidelines. In the event of another national lockdown or enforced closure, we reserve the right to move this event online or to a future date. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to discuss any accessibility needs, please contact academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.
Minimum age 18.
£480. Includes all materials.
Friends of the RA book first
Kyōsai: The Israel Goldman Collection
Terms and conditions
Our courses and classes programme
Our varied programme of short courses and classes provides an opportunity to explore subjects ranging from life drawing to the history of exhibitions and arts management, led by expert tutors and practising artists. These courses introduce traditional art-making processes, as well as perspectives on art history, theory and business.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact the Academic Programmes Team by emailing academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk
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