This class is perfect for artists that like to learn new techniques but also express their personal creativity in their paintings! Take your art to the next level and learn fun new painting skills in this introduction to Japanese Sumi-e and Chinese Brush Painting techniques using watercolor paint. This is a self-paced class - you will receive videos of my lessons and demonstrations so that you can watch and learn at your own pace! You may send photos of your work to me for feedback and I am always available to answer your questions!   (For my live version of this class, please use this link: https://outschool.com/classes/weekly-watercolor-painting-paint-animals-plants-with-sumi-e-art-techniques-Ig7v3QfN?usid=TNvmfhVz&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link ) 

     Patience, Practice and enjoying the Process of creating each paint stroke is the goal of Sumi-e painters! Chinese Brush Painting is a beautiful art form that was developed in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries in which painters try to capture the essence of nature while leaving space in their work for the imagination to wander. Learning Sumi-e painting helps artists build skills that transfer to all types of painting and visual art, and stresses the importance of growing as artists as we learn to slow down, be patient with ourselves and have fun with the process of learning! 
        
       This class includes 3 different topics that together introduce all of the most commonly used brushstrokes in Sumi-e painting:  Cherry Blossom Landscapes with Mountains and Pagodas, Koi Fish and Water Lilies, and finally, Bamboo and Birds. 
     
         Each topic will include a 5-10 minute introduction video and a 55-65 minute demonstration video. The first video is a brief presentation introducing the history and significance of the subject in Sumi-e and Chinese Brush Painting. Then learners will paint along with me while watching the 55-65 minute demonstration. The importance of patience and practice in Sumi-e painting will be stressed as we explore the different ways to hold and use the brush to create a variety of strokes with watercolor paint. We will work step by step to learn all of the paint strokes needed for the subject.  Learners will then combine these paint strokes in their final artwork while using their imaginations and personal expression!

       I focus on building skills, self-confidence, and personal artistic expression in all of my classes.  My teaching style is fun, easy going, patient and encouraging and all levels of artistic ability are welcome!