Asian Ink Wash Painting Workshop

I n this workshop hosted by CASS Art Kingston, participants will be introduced to the East Asian Art tradition of Ink wash painting, taught brushwork techniques, and create their own original Ink Painting artwork based on the 'Four Gentlemen' (四君子): Plum, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum, and Orchid. We will be looking at various Japanese, Chinese, and Korean artists' depiction of the Four Gentlemen, and their expressive brushstrokes and compositions as a source of inspiration.

Participants will be guided in detail as they explore the 'Four Treasures' : Brushes, Ink, Paper, and Ink stones (文房四寶: 筆、墨、紙、硯) and get the chance to try out different types of brushes, inks and Xuan ('rice paper').

Ink wash painting is a form of art that emerged during the Tang Dynasty in China as a reaction to earlier techniques that placed a heavy emphasis on detail and realism. Techniques and confucian philosophies further developed during the Song and Ming dynasties and spread across East Asia to Japan (墨絵 Sumi-e / 水墨画 Suiboku-ga) and Korea (수묵화 Sumookhwa).

A ll materials will be provided during the workshop, including unlimited use of paper. This workshop is suitable for anyone interested in East Asian Art and culture, aged 13+.

Please note that the theme changes each month

April: Plum

May: Bamboo

June: Orchid

July : Chrysanthemum

September: Plum

October: Bamboo

November: Orchid

December: Chrysanthemum

The ink used in this workshop is non-toxic but will stain clothing - please wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty, or bring along an apron!

Workshop schedule:

1. An introduction to East Asian Ink wash painting, looking at various artworks and learning about the different styles.

2 . Practicing brush strokes and exploring types of Xuan paper

3 . Learning how to paint

4 . Composing and designing an artwork

5 . Creating your final painting

Host or Publisher Two Tree Forest Arts