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Japanese Painting: Sumi-e
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Sumi-e is a form of Japanese painting involving a bamboo brush, ink, and
rice paper.  Even young children can learn the different techniques and
brush strokes of this ancient, and still modern art form.
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"Sumi-e"
by Shingo Syoko

This portable kit
contains all the to
get started, plus an
instructional
materials you’ll need
booklet covering the
history of sumi-e
and step-by-step
techniques to
master the four
basic strokes.
  • Since we used a pre-made kit for this, it
    included all the materials we needed.  If you
    don't want to make the investment on a kit
    you can easily substitute the following:
  • Paintbrush
  • Black Watercolor Paint
  • White Construction Paper
  • Before starting, show children a variety
    of different Sumi-e paintings online.
  • Have children pick a few to try, and
    help them along the way.
Step 1
If you're going to be learning about Japanese
painting, you might consider picking up a
beginner kit like the one we have.
This one sells at Amazon for about $15 new
and even less in Very Good Used condition.
Step 3
Prepare your paper.  We picked up a roll of
rice paper but younger children can practice
on paper towels (the thicker brown kinds).
You can cut your paper with scissors or draw
water lines to separate it.
Step 4
After you draw your water line, you can tear
your paper quite easily.
Step 5
Mix your ink!  Our kit came with some black
and red ink sticks.  (You can pick up
additional colors here).  Fill your inkwell with
water, and show the children how to grind it in
circular motions until it is the desired color.
Step 6
Dip your brush into the ink.  You just want a
little bit of ink here....not a lot.  The rice paper
is very thin and a lot of ink will make it smudgy
looking.
Provide a towel for children to dab off the
extra.
Now you're ready to paint!  Use quick
strokes and practice leaving a "pointy" tail at