Join us for a look into the captivating world of traditional Japanese artistry at the Morikami Museum and Gardens with contemporary artist Michelle Sakhai. In this immersive workshop, titled “Japanese Translations: from Woodblocks to Watercolors,” participants will draw inspiration from the rich legacy of Japanese woodblock prints, renowned for their intricate designs and vibrant colors that have captivated art enthusiasts for centuries. Create your own masterpiece inspired by the timeless allure of woodblock prints, which originated during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. Known as “ukiyo-e,” meaning “pictures of the floating world,” these prints depicted scenes of daily life, landscapes, kabuki actors, and beautiful courtesans, providing a window into the cultural and social milieu of Japan during that era. Participants will explore the delicate balance of line, form, and color inherent in Japanese prints, while bringing in their own personal artistic style. This workshop is designed for beginners, providing a supportive environment for individuals eager to explore their creativity and refine their artistic skills. Participants are asked to bring their own supplies.
2024-2025 Schedule
Details
Adult Workshop
Dates
- Saturday, February 8, 2025 → Rescheduled to Saturday, March 1, 2025
- Saturday, April 26, 2025
Times
- 10:00am – 1:00pm
Price
- $75
Location
- Oki Education Center

Advance Registration Required
Materials: Participants please bring:
- Watercolor paints: A set of watercolor paints with a variety of colors to allow for experimentation and blending.
- Watercolor brushes: A selection of watercolor brushes in different sizes and shapes.
- Watercolor paper: Acid-free watercolor paper suitable for wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, available in various weights and textures.
- Palette: A watercolor palette for mixing and diluting paints, either a traditional palette or a portable palette with wells for individual colors.
- Water containers: Containers for clean water for rinsing brushes and for mixing watercolor paints.
- Pencil and eraser: A pencil for sketching outlines or guidelines on watercolor paper, and an eraser for making corrections.
- Black ink felt tip pens: Fine-tipped felt pens (not required) can be used to add definition and detail to the watercolor composition and mimic the look of woodblock prints.
- Masking tape: Low-tack masking tape for securing watercolor paper to a drawing board or surface.
- Paper towels: For blotting excess water and paint from brushes, as well as for cleaning up spills.
- Apron if desired
Meet Your Instructor

Michelle Sakhai is an international contemporary artist who specializes in metal leaf oil paintings. Born in New York, Sakhai began painting at an early age and her mixed heritage has shaped her as an artist. With both Persian and Japanese roots, her art derives influences from both cultures. Family trips to Japan initially exposed her to metal leaf and inspired her to become a pioneer in this medium.