Immerse yourself in the ancient East Asian tradition of Sumi-e, a contemplative ink wash painting technique that has flourished for over a thousand years. This Japanese art form focuses on capturing the essence of subjects using the fewest possible brushstrokes, resulting in elegant, minimalist compositions that reflect the artist's spirit. As Vincent van Gogh observed, in Japanese art we find wisdom in the study of even "a single blade of grass"—revealing the profound philosophy behind this deceptively simple practice.

In this hands-on workshop, you'll be introduced to the foundational techniques of Sumi-e by experienced instructor Furukawa Kohfu (Ayakoh Furukawa-Leonart). Learn proper brush handling, ink consistency, and the deliberate, mindful approach that makes each brushstroke meaningful. Through patient practice and personalized guidance, you'll develop the skills to create expressive works that capture not just the appearance of subjects, but their very spirit—whether depicting traditional motifs like bamboo, orchids, or landscapes, or finding your own personal expression.