

| 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. |








| 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 |