Sumi-e Painting

This is an interesting how-to art book in that it not only teaches the techniques of Japanese brush painting but also teaches how it was historically used for meditation and mindfulness, and how to use it in that way. The author has been studying the art for decades and gives good information on what you need to get started, which is not a lot but very different from Western supplies, how to do brush painting, and lots of example works to follow along with.

I enjoyed learning about this art style and loved the way most of the objects she taught were illustrated two ways -- boneless style and outline style. Boneless style means that you just use the brush strokes to paint the object. For instance, painting a butterfly with the boneless style you do fat sweeping strokes for each of the wings and then go back with a detailed brush and do strokes to show the small parts like antennae. The outline style means that you use a detailed brush to first paint the object, and then fill it in with your ink. I'm really drawn to the organic feel of boneless style, so it was neat to see that demonstrated for lots of things like insects and flowers.

Step-by-step tutorials are given for lots of plants and a few other natural items, including bamboo, irises, peonies, insects, rocks and birds.

I don't know that I'll invest in these materials and take up this style of painting, but I am excited to experiment with the techniques here and I'm definitely interested in at least attempting the basics and then working it into my own art adventures.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

Not only is this book a wonderful introduction to mindfulness but an excellent guide to painting with a Chinese brush.
Lots of valuable information and beautiful examples. I need a lot more practice but I now understand the importance of how to hold the brush in the right way. It makes a lot of difference.
I highly recommend this book.

If you want a serious and high quality book to star learning about sumi e painting I would recommend this one. It’s full of step by step images of the projects to low up, very well explained. I´ve really enjoyed this book.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the Advanced copy in exchange of my opinion.

A beautifully designed book with easy to follow instructions and achievable exercises for beginners and experienced artists alike! This will be a lovely addition to our library.

It's an absolutely charming book about sumi painting, It describes the essential tools, the way how to use them before treating numerous subjects like bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum, and plum (representing the four seasons), iris, grapes, lotus, various insects and birds, trees, rocks and waterfalls. All this in simple steps showing the needed brushstrokes,, richly illustrated with gorgeous paintings . Very important the state of mind, the mindfulness, the spontaneity and the energy of the brushstroke. It is really inviting to try this different approach to painting and experiment its benefits for artistic development but also for the soul.

This is a beautiful book and very therapeutic to try. The author shares two main techniques for using the Chinese brush and gives clear instructions so anyone can have a go. The pictures themselves are calming and beautiful and the style of painting is accessible to all levels. It is a great book for established artists wanting to try something new and also for the complete beginner. The theory and history of the methods are also included for those wanting to delve further into the techniques. overall an excellent book.

I wanted to read this book because I am an aspiring artist and I love incorporating mindfulness with my art. I love oil and acrylic paint. I draw to become a better painter. I also love painting Icons because it is a transforming religious experience. When I saw the book “Mindful Artist” I thought it was a perfect fit for me.

In the introduction, the author says we will learn to express ourselves in the moment, without judgment. This was exactly was I was hoping to get from this book. However, I didn’t think much more was said about how to be more mindful while painting.

It starts with listing the supplies for Japanese brush painting. I already have a full set of acrylics, oils, I can pigments and specific brushes for each medium. I decided to use my oil and acrylic paints to begin the practice before I invested in the materials.

Virginia provides many beautiful paintings in the book, some with step by step instructions. She refers to her youtube page which has numerous videos on Japanese bush painting. I highly recommend her videos. However, I didn’t notice any videos labeled specifically for mindfulness while painting.

The paintings start with simple leaves, branches, birds, grapes, flower and then progresses to full landscapes.

I received this galley from NetGalley.

This is instructional artist book about Japanese Sumi-E art techniques is really quite wonderful.

I’ve found the instructions to be clear and precise. Also due to a few other reviews I was very excited to discover that the author has a youtube channel and gives recommendations of other artists to follow. I’m very interested in exploring this form of art so I am avidly looking at the videos and other artists.

I am vert impressed by the thoughtfulness and thorough information that has gone into this book you will not be disappointed.

It has wonderful suggestions from paper and brush choices to how the ink is prepared and loaded onto the brushes.

Following the tutorials you will find page after page of beautiful art, hints, tips, and step-by-step instructions on how to get optimal results. I was very impressed. I recommend this book as a useful tool for anyone who is interested in painting asian inspired artwork.

This was so much fun and relaxing! The art is beautiful, delicate, and inspiring it exceeded my expectations on traditional Asian art.

The author will take you through selecting brushes and paints, and other materials needed.

I highly recommend this book I received this from NetGalley for an honest review and I am incredibly happy to find a new art form to embrace.

This is art book about Japanese Sumi-E art techniques.
This technique uses black ink on special paper in a particular manner.
Various layers and densities of colour brings things to life.
Master artist who has vast experience, tells few basics to interested amateurs artist.
She starts with small part of a picture and slowly depicts how to get various effects.
She has famous YouTube channel and travels a lot.
I liked picture of water spring and rocks around it.
Book is complete and provides details about starting materials and at end how to sign your creation.
A good book of young artists venturing into East Asian arts and painting.
Thanks publisher for review copy.

I found the philosophy behind this form of art to be very interesting. I was always specially captivated by paintings I’ve seen of plum trees and the meaning of plum flowers (which, in part I blame Rurouni Kenshin for that, too), and I found really interesting the introduction the author of this book did about the four components that represented the seasons and the meanings people gave them.
I’ve found the instructions to be very clear and precise and it helps that the author has a youtube channel and has given recommendations of other artists to follow. I’m very interested in exploring this form of art, and I’m sure my mum will as well.

I love the idea of painting, although I do none of it myself these days. I don't have the time! This book, written by a woman named Virginia who lives in Virginia, but who has studied with the masters in the East and the West, struck me as particularly interesting because it is also about mindfulness and Asian art. I imagine all art is about mindfulness in one way or another, but this book focuses on it particularly, and it has a lot to say about technique too, so I concluded that it will be of immense value to anyone who wants seriously to get into this art form - and likely of interest to other artists too, regardless of which style they favor.

On a technical note, I have to say that the book doesn't work well on an iPad which means that the publisher wasn't very mindful about how it would look in other formats! Unless you have the large-format tablet, the text is far too small to read comfortably, meaning I had to enlarge the page and read, then slide the page around to the reach next section; then shrink it to swipe to the next page. This didn't always work well and was quite annoying - not at all conducive to mindfulness! Then there were problems in moving to the next page, requiring several swipes sometimes before it would slide over, so I wouldn't advise getting the ebook version - and unfortunately that's the only kind of book a reviewer like me gets to read! Maybe it's not available in ebook format? I dunno, but if that's the case it makes me wonder why it's issued for review in such a format! I now claim the record for using the word 'format' more times in a single review than any other reviewer! Yeay!

Amazon's website was predictably hopeless when it came to learning the print book's dimensions. I have no idea why so many publishers and authors sell-out to such an abusive behemoth. Obviously they claim that it's where everyone goes, but it is we who voluntarily give that power to Amazon. They wouldn't have it if we didn't kiss Billionaire Bezos's ass so passionately and routinely. But Waterstone's tells me the book is about 11" (2.96cm) tall. My iPad is only 7"x5" so the height of the book in landscape mode was less than half the actual print height. From this, I imagine the print version is a lot more legible! And now I'm exhaisted. I have to go lie down. Kidding. The book was 65 pages in ebook form, but it's twice that in print because both the Adobe Digital Editions app and the Bluefire reader app were counting each double-page spread as one page. Had the book been published in ebook form as single pages. It would probably have been more legible on my iPad at least.

So enough with the technical. Let's look at content! This was much less frustrating and much more relaxing! The art was beautiful, and delicate, and inspiring, and eye-catching - everything you expect from traditional Asian art. The author took us through selecting brushes and paints, and other materials and the kind of environment you might want to find to paint in. One issue I, as a vegetarian, had with the brushes was that the author recommends animal hair. For me, it would be hard to be mindful when painting with a brush that had animal hair in it because I'd be wondering where that animal was, and how the brush manufacturer got that hair. If it came from a slaughterhouse, I doubt that would make me feel good about using it to paint with! But maybe that's just me!

That aside, I was impressed by the thoughtfulness that had gone into this book, and the useful information with which it was replete. It had all kinds of suggestions from the type of paper to the type of brush, to how the ink was prepared and loaded onto the brush. Following this was page after page of beautiful art, with hints, tips, and step-by-step instructions on how to get there from here.

I was impressed and I commend this book as a useful tool for anyone who is into painting.

This how-to art book was both cute and informative! I loved the abundance of pictures that went along with the instructions for each section, especially since they were painted by the author. I learned a lot about Sumi-e painting, including the fact that it involves a lot of different brushes and inks - but the easy-to-follow instructions make it seem like painting bamboo and orchids is easy enough. The whole book's layout is pretty, too!

This is a very beautiful work of art.
The instructions are clear and the samples and step by step guidelines is purely inspiring.
If you are thinking of a way to express yourself and relieve some of the tension of day to day life, this is a great way to channel the energy.

Wonderful, beautiful illustrations and excellent clear instructions. I really enjoyed looking at this book and would love to own a paper version.

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Arts & Photography, Crafts & Hobbies

I've always loved the “less is more” approach of oriental paintings. I struggle with the concept, and fiddle too much, and that loses the lovely light serenity of these works. This books shows me some of where I've been going wrong and has some simple exercises to get started along this way.
I enjoyed too the focus on mindful painting, ensuring you are in the correct way of thinking, relaxed, not rushed, that enables such simple but harmonious works. I can see that's something I haven't paid attention to enough in the past. I had noticed in my art that seasons and my mood influences what I paint and the results, but haven't tried to consciously influence my mood. That's something worth trying in future.

I quickly learned another reason my attempts have been massive fails. I have good watercolour paints, brushes and paper, but they are not correct for this type of work, and as the basics are inexpensive I've ordered a few brushes, a couple of pots of ink and some rice paper to try once more, and of course this time I'll pay attention to my mood, my consciousness.

Its a beautiful book, simple and effective and one that's well worth any artist taking a look. I have it as an e-book, but I think as for so much non fiction practical books a physical copy would be better, and of course allow me to really savour those gorgeous illustrations.

Stars: Five a fabulous practical book, for both painting and relaxation techniques. When my supplies arrive I'll be trying out the exercises here and hopefully improve upon my past attempts at painting in this style.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

A really nice book with a lot of information that is probably brand new to many readers, definitely to me. I like western watercolor and have been slowly collecting how-to and inspiration books for this and this was a nice read. Every aspect of this book was new to me, so there were no wasted pages for tools/materials because they are so different than the regular ones I have. I learned about ink stones, and ink sticks and some pretty cool info. The downside is that I could jump right in and do any of the activities because it would require purchasing a whole lot of new materials.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a digital ARC to review. If you want to learn this type of painting and are ready to invest or just read and appreciate this is a good book for you.

This beautiful book is about brush painting and how to learn it. It has step-by-step tutorials with marvellous drawings. With practice and dedication you can achieve anything you want.

Beautiful, beautiful book on how to paint Japanese/Chinese/Korean style flowers, birds, plants and some landscape.

The author provides step-by-step instructions, and encourages the reader to visit her youtube channel to see how the basic strokes are made (I think all authors of art instructional books should provide such a benefit as some instructions are best demonstrated in a video, rather than on a page.)

I think some of the techniques are now incorporated in Western painting especially in rendering loose flowers, so even if you are not into Asian painting styles, it will still be of use to learn some of the brush strokes.

Silly me, I didn't realise that I had already subscribed to her channel long ago! I didn't realise when I requested for this ARC (based solely on the cover!) that she's the author. Just shows how much I admire her work.

Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.

Beautiful book and inspirational pictures. The book is full of excellent tips for beginners (like myself), I would highly recommend the book if you are interested in trying out this amazing painting style.

Mindful Artist: Sumi-E Painting by Virginia Lloyd-Davies
Master the Art of Meditative Brush Painting

Having gone through a watercolor phase that included watching Chinese painting techniques and trying a few on my own I was interested in reading and reviewing this book because it mentioned incorporating mindfulness, a topic that has been of interest to my husband for some time. I found some new ideas and some that reinforced what I had learned before. I believe this book, along with the YouTube channel mentioned by the author (@Virgina Lloyd-Davies or https://www.youtube.com/user/virginiald) might prove a great resource for anyone wishing to try their hand at this type of art. The book mentions but does not show the brush strokes thus the recommendation of visiting the author’s YouTube uploads.

Along with the definition of Sumi-E painting, a bit of history about its origin and discussion of the four treasures and four gentlemen a materials list and brief discussion of ink and color were given. Various subjects were illustrated from waterfalls to people to insects and flowers. The idea of “boneless” vs “outline” in painting was new to me and made me want to rush to my art room and wet my brushes.
Others were:
* mindfulness: focus on what is now/strokes being made/not the finished product
* Brush strokes/Paintings are living things
* Sumi-E is brush strokes are based on Calligraphy strokes

I found it interesting that I was chatting online with a friend that mentioned Findhorn and a few days later found that the author of this book has worked at Findhorn. Serendipity, perhaps.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

"Sumi-e Painting" is an art instruction book on sumi-e, or ink wash painting. The author briefly talked about the philosophy behind the style and the needed tools and materials. I liked that only two brushes are needed, but I would've liked more information about the different papers. She provided step-by-step instructions on how to make different flowers and animals. For each flower, she first talked about how to make each part: a petal, a stem, and so on. Then she did a demonstration project that combined all of these parts into a finished painting. She demonstrated bamboo, orchid, plum, chrysanthemum, iris, peony, wisteria, grapes, lotus, insects, birds, rocks and water.

I felt like the instructions were more for someone who was familiar with the style. Her instructions tended to be 'use this color and this brush and hold it in this way' along with the picture showing the result. I felt like this required the reader to figure out what she meant by how to hold the brush and make the mark. There were only one or two photos showing how to hold the brush, though she did reference a YouTube video you can watch which shows a full bamboo demonstration painting. I enjoyed learning more about sumi-e and would recommend this book to people who already have some experience with watercolor or ink painting.

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting: Master the meditative art of Japanese brush painting by Virginia Lloyd-Davies has far too long of a title if I'm being honest. But the book itself it great, I really love that the author promotes painting simply for the joy and relaxation of painting, not on obsessing over making the perfect painting.

The sample pictures are gorgeou and the pages are layed out beautifully, but I will say that I wish there had been more or a breakdown for the different brush strokes and and layering of paint in order to make your own, similar painting. There are several samples of each flower/insect/bird, but if you're a visual learner, like me, you need more of a step-by-step breakdown.

Although I really like the concepts and the meditative practice of this style of painting, I don't believe that I will be picking it up. It would require me to purchase a lot of new supplies that aren't as universal as the painting tools I already own and use. I do believe, however, that I will adopt some of the meditative practices to incorperate into my other painting mediums(watercolor, oil. acrylic).
_____

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for sharing an eARC of Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting: Master the meditative art of Japanese brush painting by Virginia Lloyd-Davies with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting is a detailed instructional guide on how to understand and create artwork in the beautiful style of Sumi, Japanese ink wash paintings. It should be noted that the artwork in here is really more inspired by the art style, rather than a faithful follower. But personally, I love that Virigina Lloyd-Davis wasn’t afraid to add her own flair to the work itself.
Is Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting an art book? Absolutely. But it’s also more than that. Lloyd-Davis is also seeking to teach us about meditative artwork. How artwork can be a direct link to mindfulness, and how empowering that knowledge can be.
The artwork inside Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting was stunning, and the philosophy fascinating. Together these two elements made for an education and inspirational read. It’s not quite like any other art book I’ve read, but I enjoyed it immensely. And would encourage others to give it a try as well.

This is a gorgeous and inspiring book! I love the way the author described the mindful approach to take with this style of painting. The supplies needed are minimal, which makes it easier to get started, The examples/exercises in the book are many and very beautiful, and made me want to start painting straight away.
I received a free digital copy via NetGalley but the opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is an interesting take on art and mindfulness. Its rather like a Eastern version of zentangles. The author is a very talented painter and her paintings are tranquil and charming. I like how encouraging she was and the little tips she gives on each page. Most projects have step by step photos. My only wish is that I would like to see more close ups of brush strokes - what brush was used and how to hold it. All in all a beautiful book.

A beautiful step by step guide to Japanese brush painting.
Lovely illustrations and help to start this wonderful style of painting
#MindfulArtistSumiePainting #NetGalley

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting is a tutorial technique and project guide for Japanese & Chinese calligraphy brush painting by Virginia Lloyd-Davies. Due out 3rd Dec 2019 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in ebook and paperback formats.

Walter Foster are familiar and loved by readers everywhere for their specialized technique tutorial books and this one follows the same format. The introductory chapter (~12% of the content) includes beginning to intermediate techniques and information about form, composition, brush strokes, preparing ink, as well as tools (brushes, inks, paper) and supplies and how to use them.

The following chapters provide a really immersive and engaging group of specific subjects including classic stylized bamboo, orchid, plum, and chrysanthemum (the four gentlemen), iris, peony, insects, birds, and all in the instantly recognizable classic sumi-e style. The text is accessible and the author's voice is positive, encouraging, and meditative. I intend to work my way through the included studies and projects, but I am pleased with the progress I've already made beginning with this book.

There is a nice links and bibliography included with suggestions for books and videos for further exploration. Well done!
Five stars.

I've long been fascinated by the seeming simple pictures produced by brush painting and this book is a lovely introduction into the art. The author sets out lots of information about tools to use, and gives clear step by step instructions. She also focuses on the mindfulness aspects of losing yourself in your work, which (like breathing in yoga) I think is a significant part of the practice of such painting.

Sumi-e painting is, or rather was, a new-to-me concept which initially drew me to this on NetGalley.

The book introduces it and the needed tools and materials, shows simple to quite intricate painting subjects, even goes through signing your work - all wrapped up in a beautifully edited and illustrated book.

I should point out that I didn't actually test out any of the methods covered, but still found it interesting to read and mostly look at.

This book is for anyone interested in the topic, curious about the technique or just in need of inspiration from aesthetically pleasing art.

Beautiful introduction into the art of Japanese ink painting, with guided projects starting with each element and then completing the painting. A great book!

Learn to paint the Japanese way
Virginia Lloyd-Davies presents "Mindful Artist Sumi-e Painting. Master the meditative art of Japanese brush painting" which was published by Quarto-publishing Group - Walter in their series "Mindful Artist". The first part of the book contains the introduction included is information about tools, materials, the preparation which is needed to paint and an introduction to brushes, ink, and paper. The main part shows the reader how different subjects (Bamboo, Iris, Insects, ...) can be painted. The book closes with instructions how paintings can be signed and suggestions from the artist's library. The book does not only include the steps that show how to create the drawings, but also underlines the fact that Japanese Brush Painting has historically to do with mindfulness, starting already with the preparation of the ink.
I always found Japanese brush paintings interesting and I highly recommend this book to readers who are interested or want to try it themselves. It also makes a great gift for such artists. The book design presents itself with great photos and illustrations. The step-by-step tutorials will be a big help to those who want to learn this art or improve what they already know since Lloyd-Davies included good guidelines of how to start and how to put the figures together. She also included tips (e.g., about composition or how to create birds) and a recommended shopping list which helps the artist to have the necessary supplies at hand.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#MindfulArtistSumiePainting #NetGalley

An interesting and beautifully illustrated book which combines a traditional form of Japanese water colour painting with meditation and mindfulness.
Some step-by-step tutorials are given and the author also points the reader towards her youtube channel for more visual instruction and inspiration. There is a also a short history of sumi-e and some information on the materials involved and the different techniques and painting styles used, including how to hold the brush. It's obviously important to view this as a 'real' book or on a colour screen; it just doesn't have the same impact on a B&W e-reader.

*Thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

<b>4 stars</b>

A very interesting and useful book if you want to learn or just know more about Sumi-e, which is an art form I hadn't heard of before coming across this book. I love the correlation between art and mindfulness. I would like to try out some of the ideas the book offered.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for providing me with this ARC.

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting by Virginia Lloyd-Davies is a beautiful book that any new artist with love. Loaded with information and good techniques, this will be a terrific addition to their library.

Sumi-E is a great way to practice mindful, meditative art through brush strokes and different dilutions of ink. Virginia Lloyd-Davies’ book is educational but even more so, inspirational.

This book starts with a brief introduction about the origin and purpose of sumi-e. It has basic explanations about materials needed and how to use them. Most of the book focuses on teaching you how to paint different popular motives: bamboo, orchid, plum, chrysanthemum, iris, peony, insects, wisteria, grapes, lotus, kingfisher, birds, rocks and waterfalls.

It has big and wonderful photos and step-by-step instructions. However, it does feel like you need to have prior experience in order to take full advantage of it. What helps for those who are absolute beginners, is that video links are provided. You can see how Virginia Lloyd-Davies actually performs those beautiful strokes. A video can sometimes say more than a thousand words.

I would recommend this book if you are familiar with the very basics of Sumi-E, if you want motivation and inspiration for your art, or if you have your ink and brush ready and want to relax while trying one or more beautiful motives from the book.

*I read an ARC and this was my honest opinion

This is a beautiful style of art. Be aware you will need proper tools for it or it just wont work right but the instructions are second to none.

Beautiful and calm images, this book is gorgeous. Step-by-step instructions, the author is good at explaning for beginners. Very therapeutic and a good way to express yourself, a enjoyable book.

This book was honestly breathtaking and definitely a good introduction to Sumi-e. I've seen some paintings in shows but it never really crossed my mind as to the history and the process of the art.

The book teaches you the basics of how to draw the most common things you would find in a sumi-e painting such as flowers, bamboos, insects, birds and rocks/cliffs/waterfalls. There's a clear explanation to each tools use and how to use it. Sometimes, it would compare the art to Western artstyle.

Overall, I really loved and enjoyed going through this. The author is clearly very talented and artstyle is so beautiful! My only problem is with the too many "being in the moment" but otherwise the book is amazing.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.

Sumi Painting has always been a favorite of mine. The loose expressive brushstrokes, the effortless composition. This book is gorgeous and does not disappoint. The author takes you through lots of examples including plants, birds and landscapes. Well worth it, if you enjoy this style of painting.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE

Those who would like to learn all about the Eastern methods of Sumi-e painting will discover this work a treasure trove of inspiration. Watercolorists who want to explore a similar practice will benefit greatly from examining this text.

SYONOPIS

The origins of Sumi-e painting date back over 2000 years in Japan. Sumi-e rose out of Zen Buddhism where monks would employ it as a means to discipline their minds and improve their concentration. Through the mastery of this ink-based painting method, they wished to achieve an elevated level of focus. The monks would often meditate before grinding the ink stick that they would use to load their fude brushes. They would use rice paper or silk scrolls for their works. Painting in black ink was considered a far superior order of skill than painting in color.

In later years the whole Sumi-e thing became a metaphor for the ephemeral world of the Samurai warrior. Sumi-e still requires dedication and constant practice as well as rigorous training, although the association with the Samurai continues to this day.

The book it is presented in a concise and engaging manner. The book is intended for self-tuition. Clear descriptions and beautiful illustrations hang together in a harmony worthy of the subject.

The key difference between modern Western brushes and the fude brushes of Japan and China is the hair used in their manufacturing. This difference in hair type dramatically alters how the strokes are formed on the surface. Rice paper is far less forgiving than watercolor paper and requires consideration and concentration prior to placing your stroke.

The author tutors the student reader on the different styles of brush strokes. Boneless style uses brush strokes to paint the subject with broad, brave strokes. Whereas outline style is used for greater detail. Boneless is frequently used to depict flowers.

CONCLUSION

The book binds together well with the written word and the copious number of exquisite illustrations. I particularly liked the in-depth tutorials that focus on flowers, insects, birds, stones and bamboo. I equally enjoyed the meditative aspect of Sumi-e that was included both in the title and in the pages. The work is nothing short of a piece of art in its own regard. Perfect for any artists bookshelf.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My sincere thanks go to Virginia Lloyd-Davies, NetGalley, and Walter Foster Publishing, for affording me the opportunity to review Mindful Artist Sumi-E Painting.

A beautiful introduction to the (unknown to me) world of Sumi-e painting. I am recently getting back into painting and love the pairing here with mindfulness and mental health.


Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Brilliant book - for both learning the art fo Sumi-e painting but also for mindful mediation in art.

This book is just lovely to look at, and if you never picked up a brush to learn the techniques covered within, it's still worth having for the beautiful artwork by author Virginia Lloyd-Davies. However, if you would like to learn sumi-e painting, this is the book to choose! It covers everything you'll need to begin- which brushes, what kinds of ink and paint, types of paper, and ink stones, plus other necessary items. There is information on mindfulness throughout the book as well, as that is a big part of creating sumi-e. There are lots of pictures and instructions to help you along, and suggestions for books and youtube videos at the end for further help. Definitely recommended!

#MindfulArtistSumiePainting #NetGalley

Sumi-e paintings have always captured my interest, even before I knew what they were called. The boldness yet simplicity stands out as a beautiful form of art. This book really goes into detail on how to create your own charming artwork with flowers or bamboo in a sumi-e fashion.

This book introduced me to sumi-e painting, which I now know is a long-established Japanese form of quick-stroke painting, using primarily black ink. In Japanese, "sumi" means "black ink" and "e" means "painting." Along with detailed instruction on how to paint in this way, and abundant artwork examples, this book is very focused on the relaxing, meditative aspect of sumi-e painting, where you obtain a mindful awareness of your breath, body, and soul as you paint. The author refers to your paint brush as a "dancer" that your life force courses through and onto the paper, revealing an image that reflects some aspect of your inner being. This book inspires its readers to create sumi-e paintings from a reflective point of view, as a relaxing experience, and has inspired me to paint birds using this method.

I received a free electronic copy of this how-to from Netgalley, Virginia Lloyd-Davies, and Walter Foster Publishing. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Mindful Artist of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. This was a work I wound up buying as I have problems with downloading Netgalley's offerings, but it is one I would most likely have purchased any way...

This work basically outlines the differences between watercolor washes and painting with watercolors which sounds very simple but is not something I am getting right even yet. It's going to be a long cold winter, so I will be able to get in some practice before gardening duties draw my back outdoors. The depth and detail in these works of Virginia Lloyd-Davies are exquisite, and it is a technique I plan to master! Thank you Virginia for sharing your art with us. It makes the heart sing.

Sumo-e (Japanese) or shuimo (Chinese) quick stroke painting is based on Chinese calligraphy and the focus of Virginia Lloyd-Davies new book Mindful Artist Sumi-e Painting. It is a fascinating and beautiful art form. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the various examples of it within the book, it’s visually gorgeous!

I particularly appreciated the simplification of form in the insects and birds, such motion and beauty reflected in so few lines. It is a challenge to emulate that refinement but worth striving for. Each creation is carefully explained to help the reader get the strokes and composition correct and it’s easy to follow.

In addition to the artistic guidance, focus is put on the meditative nature of art creation and how quietening one’s mind is beneficial to both the work and artist. Not correcting the form or spending time planning the artwork is central to this form and part of why it is so relaxing.

The materials required to make this kind of art aren’t easy to find locally or to imitate so if you are looking to try it, be sure to source these items first. Because of this, I couldn’t execute the exercises given accurately but in my attempts, with watercolours and paintbrushes, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and found it really relaxing.

If you are looking to understand this art form or give it a try yourself, this is a great book to pick up. It’s five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended.