Japanese Ink Painting Beginner's Guide to Sumi-E - Book Review - Brief Review

Arts & Activities, Jan, 2004 by Jerome J. Hausman

(2002; $14.95), by Susan Frame. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 387 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10016.

The author quotes a Chinese saying, "The brush dances and the ink sings." Sumi-e is all about energy and spirit. The text urges that you not be concerned with painting exactly what you see. Instead, your experience of your subject and what you feel about it are most important.

The book is clearly written and well illustrated, Approaches to different subject matters are described: examples are given for rendering animals, flowers, mountains, clouds, water and trees. At the beginning, the reader is given key points: "Sumi-e" means ink picture; ink painting began in China as calligraphy; artists should use energetic brushwork; and simplify the subject and capture its spirit. Over and over again, we are reminded that "painting is a joyful spiritual experience." The key, of course, is in overcoming more rigid approaches and finding the joy that comes from more spontaneous, almost "accidental," strokes. One needs to give oneself to the essence of an idea without getting caught up with copying techniques, in this way, our students can come to understand the essence of Japanese ink painting.--J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 392 on the Reader Service Card.