This class is perfect for young artists that like to learn new techniques but also express their personal creativity in their art! Take your art to the next level and learn fun new painting skills as we paint animals, plants, flowers and more from nature while exploring Japanese Sumi-e and Chinese Brush Painting techniques with watercolor paint. Perfect for ages 10 and up and great for beginners or more advanced painters! 😁

   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! 

*** Please note: This is an "ongoing" weekly class, but learners are welcome to drop in for just one class and then unsubscribe. I am also happy to transfer learners to a different day or time if your schedule changes while you are subscribed.  
        
       Each week, artists will learn how to create a different painting of traditional subject matter, animals and plants. 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 or ink. We will work together step by step to learn all of the paint strokes needed for the subject. I frequently check with each student to make sure they understand each new brush stroke and technique.  Learners will then combine these paint strokes in their final artwork while using their imaginations and personal expression. Each week is quite different because the subject matter is so varied in Chinese brush painting, but artists will build on their knowledge of the different brush strokes over time and have the option to express their personal creativity in their work or stick with a more traditional portrayal of the subject matter if they prefer. Artists will be encouraged to share their work with the class and discuss their ideas if they desire. 

      This ongoing Sumi-e class is recommended for ages 9-15 but it is also appropriate for older students. Some younger students may enjoy this class as well if they have extensive  painting experience.  For young artists with less painting experience, it is helpful, but not necessary, to complete one of my one time Sumi-e classes first. These are a bit less complex than the weekly ongoing class and are a good introduction to the art form:
         
        Asian Art- Chinese Painting With Watercolors: Paint Sumi-e Cherry Blossom Flowers!
        https://outschool.com/classes/asian-art-chinese-painting-with-watercolors-paint-sumi-e-cherry-blossom-flowers-p1wAKlxh? 
        usid=TNvmfhVz&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

       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! In this ongoing class, learners may join in or leave at any time. 
        
Our topics for the next few months are as follows: (Topics are subject to change.)

Week of July 7: Tigers
Week of July 14: Flamingos and Palm Trees 
 Week of July 21: NO CLASS
Week of July 28: Squirrels and Acorns 
Week of August 4: Sweet Pea Flowers and Frogs
Week of August 11: Pinecones and Cardinals 
Week of August 18: Red Crowned Cranes and Wetland Landscape 
Week of August 25: Hydrangea Flowers and Butterflies
Week of September 1: NO CLASS (Labor Day Holiday)
Week of September 8:  Cats and Willow Trees  
Week of September 15: Highland Cow and Daisies       
Week of September 22: Poppies and Hummingbirds 
Week of September 29: Lilac Flowers and Rhinoceros Beetle  
Week of October 6:  Parrots and Mango Tree  
Week of October 13: Morning Glory Flowers and Spiders   
Week of October 20: Guppies and Water Plants 
Week of October 27: Nasturtium Flowers and Snails
Week of November 3:  Lychee Fruit and Basket  
Week of November 10: Tulips and Praying Mantis 
Week of November 17:  Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish) 
Week of November 24: NO CLASS (US Thanksgiving Holiday)
Week of December 2:  Pomegranate Tree and Mouse        
Week of December 9: Azalea Flowers and Chicks 
Week of December 16: Spider Lilies 
Week of December 23: NO CLASS
Week of December 30: NO CLASS
Week of January 6, 2025: Koalas and Eucalyptus Trees
Week of January 13, 2025: Orchids and Dragonflies
Week of January 20, 2025 : Rabbits and Clover 
Week of January 27, 2025: Black Swan and Minnows  
Following weeks:  More topics will be added!  

Please note: Classes are officially 55 minutes long, but may run longer for learners who work more meticulously and for all students when we paint more complex subject matter.  Every artist works at their own pace and I am always happy to stay in class with students who may need more time!