Summer Connections: Introduction to Sumi-e Japanese Ink Painting

PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION.  (Single Intro Class or Three Day Course Available. Must register online.)

By purchasing the complete Three Day Course, participants save 10% on total course costs.

Intro Class Only (1 day) - $40

Course Price if purchased seperately (3 Days) - $110

Three Day Course Early Package Price - $99

Sumi-e Japanese Ink Painting Course Syllabus

Class 1 - Introduction to Sumi-e - Saturday, June 15 – 1 to 3 p.m.  $40

Each participant will be taught basic techniques of Japanese sumi-e painting. Sumi-e is a style of black-and-white calligraphic ink painting that originated in China. This style of painting moved into Japan through Zen monks around the start of 1300’s. In this class we focus on practicing the four basic painting techniques in the first portion of the class. Participants will be shown and practice proper brush usage. This will also include use of ink to create line and gradation for each of the four compositions that will be the emphasis for the first class. All necessary supplies will be provided; however, if a

student has any Sumi-e brushes, papers and any other related equipment you are encouraged to bring and use them.

(The Intro class can be taken as a single class.  Supplies will be provided to learn. Participants will take home the artwork they create, but take home supplies are not included in the single class price.  If participants wish to receive take home supplies and further instruction.  Please sign up for the three day course. You CAN choose to take the Intro class only to start and decide later on whether you'd like to take the remaining two classes for $35 each. Registration for the remaining classes will open on Saturday, June 15th at 3:30 pm and will require a class code that you will receive after the Intro class ends. There is no guarantee that class seats will still be available if signing up for the extended course after June 14th. Purchasing the Three Day Course Package will guarantee seats for all three classes and will reward you with a 10% course discount.)

Extended Course (Includes Class 2 & 3) Price $70

Class 2 – Saturday, June 22 – 1 to 3 p.m. 

In this second class we will focus on creating animal life with simple brush and ink

techniques, drawing from what we have previously learned from class 1. The emphasis

will be on easy-to-create bird forms and koi fish. Once we have mastered the animal

forms, time permitting, we will also practice combining background effects and animals

together to create a balanced and pleasing composition.

*Take Home Supply Kit - Each participant will receive a take home art supply kit consisting of:

Brushes, ink, watercolor paint, and paper. Everything needed to create a colorful Sumi-e art piece at home.

A $50 value included in class price.

Class 3 – Saturday, June 29 – 1 to 3 p.m.

Bring back your Take Home Art Supply Kit for this class!

The final class will start with a demonstration of how to work with the Japanese tube

watercolors and we will talk about a balanced composition. Once the demonstration is

completed, we will then start to work on a large final piece of art that will combine all that

was learned during each class, including the use of watercolor. Depending on the speed at

which you work, some students may be able to complete two compositions by the end of

the class.

Pre-registration is required.

Class Size: Maximum 25 participants

Class Time: 1pm - 3pm.

Recommended for ages 10 & up.  

About the instructor:

Mr. Suppan is in his 30th year of art instruction.

BFA – Drawing

BA – Art education

MA – Education

3 year Board Member of White Rabbit Galleries

What is Summer Connections?

Summer Connections is our spinoff mini program of our recent Creative Connections program. In 2023, White Rabbit Galleries was pleased to host a monthly series of art classes and instruction geared towards providing arts education to our community while also arranging a time for families, friends, and neighbors to spend time together in an engaging activity.  Each Creative Connections class covered a different medium of art and technique to maximize creativity and challenge. In order to continue offering classes of this nature, Summer Connections is a short program we will offer through the Summer months of 2024.  The classes will include intro classes or courses consisting of multiple classes learning the same subject. We will not provide refreshements for Summer Connections, but participants are welcome to provide their own drinks or snacks if needed.  Some classes will include take home supplies that will have no additional cost outside of the class fee. This program is made possible through funding provided by the Barberton Community Foundation.