Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject. Beginners welcome!
2020-2021 Schedule
- Days: Fridays, 4-week sessions and 3-week sessions
- Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Dates
- Session 1: Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23
- Session 2: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20
- Session 3: Dec. 4, 11, 18 (3 weeks)
- Session 4: Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29
- Session 5: Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
- Session 6: Mar. 5, 12, 26 (3 weeks)
- Session 7: Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23
- Session 8: May 7, 14, 21, 28
- Session 9: Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25
Class Details
Price
- 4-week Session: $60 ($55 members)
- 3-week Session: $45 ($41 members)
Note: Class sessions run 3 or 4-weeks and are purchased as a “session only,” not individual classes.
Prerequisite
- None
Material Fee
- None
Location
- Oki Education Center
Materials Needed
- Orchid-bamboo brush
- Small flow brush (suggested for beginners)
- Orchid Large Bamboo or Large Flow Brush
- Medium soft brush
- Medium horsehair brush or fine line brush
- Liquid Ink (sumi)
- Small soy sauce dish
- Shuen paper (27″ x 18″)
- Felt (approx. 3′ square)
- Water container to wash brushes
- Xuan cooked rice paper (optional)
Printable Sumi-e Materials List with Pictures
Examples of materials on Amazon
Materials can be purchased online and at local art stores such as below. Some materials are available for purchase from the instructor as well.
- Amazon
- Dick Blick’s Art Supply
- Hobby Lobby
- Jerry’s Artarama
*Felt is to be used under your paper and can be purchased at a variety of art, craft or fabric supply stores.
If you have any questions about class supplies please ask your instructor on the first day of class before purchasing them.
Meet Your Instructor

Instructor Ying Zhou is a Chinese brush painting and Japanese sumi-e artist. She has been successful in teaching and developing the skills of a broad spectrum of students ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Ying has lectured and demonstrated her artistries in many different regions. She also enjoys brush making and pottery.