Sumi Painting

Bamboo and Sumi		Sumi Inks and Accessories		Sumi Painting Kits		Sumi Painting Papers

This Week's Featured Products in Sumi Painting

	Yasutomo Liquid Sumi Ink Formulated for sumi painting and calligraphy, this sumi ink is in convenient liquid form. This is permanent, black ink made from quality vegetable oil soot, formulated especially for sumi painting and calligraphy.
	Kozo Kozo rice paper is highly absorbent, making it ideal for calligraphy and watercolor painting. Kozo paper is not sized.
	Set of 3 Save on a 3 brush set! This set includes sizes 1, 2, and 6.

Beautiful Ancient Art of Sumi Painting
Characteristically Asian, Sumi painting has been practiced for over a thousand years worldwide. It is actually ink painting. Artists performing the Sumi painting technique try to create scenes or objects with the least amount of strokes possible. Birds and animals are called into life with simple yet intricate strokes on paper. There are certain must-have items that artists need in order to successfully perform the art. They need an ink stick, ink stone, brush and proper Sumi paper. Ink stones have a slight depression carved out in them. These depressions are used to prepare and hold the artist’s ink. Ink sticks are made of pine soot that is hard formed using resin. Ink is prepared for painting just before beginning. Several small drops of water are placed into the depression of the stone. An end of the ink stick is placed into the depression following the water and moved in a circular motion against the stone. This process creates the ink for Sumi art. An accomplished and skilled Sumi artist will be able to prepare enough ink to complete the painting they are attempting. Sumi ink cannot be saved. It is often said that the ink making process is a form of relaxation for the Sumi artist. They are emotionally and mentally preparing themselves creatively. Sumi brushes are usually made of wolf hair and constructed of bamboo. Wolf hair is often boar bristle, horse hair or other animal hair types. Sumi brushes are an important tool in the art. Brushes must have the characteristic of holding and retaining a point. One brush is generally used to create thin as well as very thick lines. Sumi art paper must not be overly absorbent. It should not draw all of the ink from the brush being used. Sumi paper is most generally rice paper. It outperforms others for this technique of art. All Sumi art supplies are crafted of high quality materials for better overall performance and satisfaction.