Paintings and painting in ink Books

Book SynopsisIn this beautiful book, Naomi Okamoto passes on her experience and knowledge of Sumi-e – traditional Japanese ink painting that uses only ink, white space and simple brushstrokes to capture the essence of an object, person, animal or scene. With her deep understanding of both the technical and spiritual aspects of this ancient art, she guides the reader expertly through the materials required and the techniques involved, successfully conveying as she does so the cultural and historical background to this exquisite artform. There are numerous ink paintings and simple exercises throughout, making this book ideal for anyone wishing to acquire the skills associated with Sumi-e, as well as an understanding of the philosophy behind it.Trade ReviewArtist and educator Okamoto’s guide explores sumi-e, a type of Japanese ink drawing done exclusively with brushes and ink washes that combines calligraphic lines and blank space in subtle drawings and paintings. In this quiet, restrained art form related to Zen Buddhism, reality is conveyed through suggestion and simplification rather than through detail or precision. Numbered, sequenced drawings guide the reader’s hand in projects presented step-by-step. Lots of written description accompanies these designs for a gentle introduction to the technique. Materials, special techniques, composition, and color are discussed. Subject matter includes still life, landscapes, figures, flowers, and animals. VERDICT Artistically inclined readers hoping to try something different will find many possibilities in this volume. * Library Journal USA *August 2015 The Art of Sumi-e by artist Naomi Okamoto, describes the traditional painting technique that uses only ink, white space and simple brushstrokes. It aims to capture the essence of its subject based on spiritual processes within the artist: simplifying what is in front of you then using your won intuitive expression. There's plenty of good advice on the materials and supports you will need to get you started. The author then describes how to use the ink and brush, showing clearly how to adjust the pressure to make the marks you want, and inviting you to copy originals to familiarise yourself with the techniques. Themed exercises follow, including still life, landscapes and figures before moving on to colour in Japanese ink painting, flowers animals and landscapes. The book closes with ideas of motifs for cards and stationery plus that all-important seal to personalise your work. The book makes an ideal introduction to the art of Sumi-e with a systematic approach and simple exercises and is well illustrated throughout. * Leisure Painter, The *July 2015 Sumi-E is what we generally regard as the classic Japanese art of ink painting that uses a simple medium, the white of the paper, and carefully crafted and placed brushstrokes to create an image. The essence of it is just that, the essence of the subject, which is usually a natural form. This is a complete guide that includes advice on materials – particularly the specialised brushes and papers – as well as instruction in the basics of painting with ink, both black and colour. From here, a series of exercises gets you practising with shapes – a fish with a single stroke for instance. Naomi also includes the philosophical aspects of Japanese painting, which is as much a state of mind as a technical exercise. In the foregoing example, for instance, it is she, not the imagined fish, that feels the touch of the water. It’s a hard concept to convey, but she does it rather well. As your skills and confidence (and you need to be confident to achieve the single-stroke structure) develop, you’ll move on to flowers, animals, landscapes and even figures. These last are perhaps the most rewarding as they turn the whole idea of figurative work on its head, with less becoming more and detail only barely hinted at. This is as comprehensive a guide as you could wish to a fascinating and absorbing art form. * Artbookreview.net *

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Book SynopsisThis beautiful book combines the author’s extensive ecological knowledge with art, and her passion for drawing with ink. It is packed with clear instruction and inspirational illustrations, and will be treasured by artists, illustrators, scientists and ecologists alike. Practical advice is given on using a range of materials and equipment for illustrating in pen and ink, as well as the collection and preservation of subject matter and reference material. Detailed instruction is given on how to create essential mark-making techniques that will enhance your illustrations through accurate depiction of shape, form, texture and pattern, and in the principles and elements of design. Subject-themed chapters include plants, strandline and marine specimens, fossils, invertebrates, and mammals. There are step-by-step exercises suitable for all skill levels, and case studies describing working practice as a professional illustrator.Trade ReviewThis utterly comprehensive guide covers, as its title suggests, not just animals but birds, plants, insects and invertebrates as well as ancillary items such as feathers, nests and egg cases. If you’re serious about drawing wildlife in all its forms, you won’t do better. -- Henry Malt - The Artist reviewer * The Artist *A book by a well educated and very experienced natural history illustrator who writes extremely well - and it shows on every one of its pages making it joy to read. -- Katherine Tyrrell, Making A Mark * Making A Mark *This is one of the most comprehensive books around on natural history drawing. -- Henry Malt * artbookreview *Sarah’s illustrations are beautiful and intricate, capturing the beauty of her subjects with sensitivity and skill. -- Jane Stroud, Leisure Painter * Leisure Painter *Overall this is a brilliant book, perfectly suited to building your natural history drawing skills. The subjects are brought alive by wonderful descriptions and personal experiences. An absolute pleasure to read… I'm sure I’ll treasure it for years to come, and refer back to it again and again. -- Sylvia Myers, Ecologist & Volunteer Manager, NHM * Natural History Museum Magazine *It is a beautiful book, thoroughly researched and exquisitely illustrated. It is an ideal book for students or for anyone thinking of embarking on a new hobby in art, as well as for nature lovers and lovers of art generally. A pleasure to read - deeply enjoy. -- Endymion Beer, reviewer British Naturalists Association * British Naturalists Association *This is a beautiful guide to the use of traditional pen and ink in natural history illustrations. Because of the book’s well-organized structure and inclusion of some beginner-friendly projects, it would also be a useful resource for instructors to share with their students. -- Camille Werther, reviewer JNSI * Journal of Natural Science Illustrations *

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Book SynopsisThe Japanese artist Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831–1889) was celebrated for his exciting impromptu performances at calligraphy and painting parties. Dynamic, playful and provocative, Kyōsai delighted his audience with spontaneous and speedy paintings of demons, skeletons, deities and Buddhist saints. These were often satirical, reflecting a time of political and cultural change in Japan. Among his most charming and inventive works are his brilliant depictions of animals, which humorously play the roles of protagonists of modern life. Kyōsai’s important place in Japanese art is here explored in depth by Sadamura Koto, a leading authority on the artist, in this catalogue of the exceptionally rich holdings of the Israel Goldman Collection.Table of ContentsPresident’s Foreword by Rebecca Salter pra 7 Foreword by Israel Goldman 8 Preface by Timothy T. Clark fBa 11 Notes to the Reader 14 Painter at a Boisterous Party: Kyōsai’s Creative Environment in Late Nineteenth-century Japan 17 Catalogue plates and entries 1 From Tradition to Innovation 39 2 Laughing at Modernity 85 3 The Artist Meets His Public 119 Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831–1889): A Chronology 178 Endnotes 182 Bibliography and References 183 Inscriptions and Lists of Artists 186 Index 188

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Book SynopsisUnwind and get creative as you learn all about watercolor painting one of the fastest-growing activities for everyday adults who are looking for a hobby to easily relax and relieve stress! Modern Watercolor Botanicals is a comprehensive guide for all skill levels beginner to advanced that teaches everything you need to know about watercolor using easy-to-follow diagrams, pictures, and instructions. Learn how to paint and advance your skills using pieces of beautiful, traceable artwork, including detailed wildflowers, shade tropical leaves, eucalyptus wreaths, and more. Lessons in Modern Watercolor Botanicals include: Instructions for every skill level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced Easy-to-follow diagrams, pictures, and instructions Each lesson builds upon skills learned in the previous lessons 15 pieces of traceable artwork to paint, no drawing experience required! Lessons that promote focus and mindfulness and help you reduce stress through the enjoyment of the artistic process All you need to know to create frame-worthy masterpieces and thoughtful gifts Prompts, challenges, and ideas to take your creativity to the next level Author Sarah Simon (@themintgardener), a Seattle-based artist who leads sold-out watercolor workshops across the U.S., shares everything she teaches her students in this book. She also answers some of the most common questions from watercolor artists at all levels: What tools do I need? How do I mix interesting colors? How do I create shape, movement, and definition in my piece? How do I find my own creative style? Delve into Modern Watercolor Botanicals to develop your skills and form your own unique artistic approach to the world of modern watercolor!Trade Review"If you're thinking about experimenting with watercolor and/or gouache, look no further. Sarah's stunning imagery paired with thorough and extensive direction will bring you back again and again. It's a must-have staple for both beginners, hobbyists, and professional creatives." -Peggy Dean, Best-selling Author, Illustrator, Designer, Founder of The Pigeon Letters "Sarah has penned (and painted) the complete book of watercolor & gouache for anyone ready to dive into the wonderful world of painting. From mindfulness to technique, this book is not only an introduction to painting but a complete guide to the skilled art of color movement and blending. Sarah's botanical imagery is captivating and her descriptive instructions dance across the page as fluidly as her art. What a wonderful way to spend a season immersed in watercolor, what an incredibly inspiring how-to book." -The Crafter's Box

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Book SynopsisDiscover a world filled with vibrant color and creative possibilities as you explore an array of painting, drawing, printing, and lettering techniques and styles using vivid colors of artist’s ink. In Brilliant Inks, artist, illustrator, and top Skillshare teacher Anna Sokolova shares her own unique methods that get the most out of this versatile medium. With her guidance, create beginner-friendly florals and foliage, animals, still lifes, figures and portraits, and hand lettering. Learn about the various types of inks and the best tools and surfaces to use with them. Then, try basic techniques such as color mixing, creating visual texture, negative painting, and splattering. Work with a variety of brushes, dip pens, and droppers to get different looks, and see how adding common household supplies such as salt and bleach can create the most amazing effTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION 1 ALL THINGS COLORED INK Learn about the range of choices in inks, brushes, paper, and pens. 2 BASIC TECHNIQUES AND BEYOND Discover techniques celebrating ink’s unique properties: washes, gradients, wet-on-wet, negative painting, spatter effects, ink droppers, monotypes, and more. 3 FLORALS AND NATURE Get inspired by nature and paint mushrooms, flowers, leaves, and a botanical mandala. 4 ANIMALS AND BIRDS Explore the magical world of butterflies, birds, and red pandas. 5 FIGURES, PORTRAITS, AND FASHION Expand your creativity by painting simple figures, a portrait, and fashion motifs. STILL LIFE Put a unique spin on painting with your imagination and create a map, a pomegranate, and a plated dessert. PROJECTS Experiment with new ways of applying colored inks on cork, clay, and fabric. Be inspired to create a fantastic accordion silhouette book, paper dolls, and more. TEMPLATES RESOURCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX

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Book SynopsisChinese brush painting is a traditional style of painting that has evolved over many centuries. Artists use ink and colour pigments to paint onto rice paper or silk. An important characteristic of this kind of painting is holding and directing the brush in the right way to produce strokes that are delicate and refined. The four co-authors of this book – Sun Chenggang, Ning Xiangying, Ning Jialu and Miao Hongbo – are particularly gifted proponents of this style, which has connections with traditional calligraphy. Chinese brush painting typically includes themes such as birds, plants and flowers, landscapes, fruit and vegetables and fish. This book explores these themes through the four seasons, with the peony depicted in spring, the lotus flower in summer, the vegetable harvest in autumn and the bamboo bud in winter. Many of the subjects are symbolic and have connotations of good fortune, auspiciousness, good health, a long life, a good harvest, a flourishing family, wealth – even immortality! Explained in the introduction to each project, the symbolism is followed by clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations. There is a short section at the beginning of the book describing tools, materials and techniques to help readers achieve the almost ethereal beauty and delicacy of this style of painting.Trade ReviewIt’s been a long time since there was a book on Chinese painting, but they were once all the rage. This one has been worth the wait and is about as authentic as you can get, being adapted from a series of Chinese originals. For all that, the approach is accessible for the Western reader and, although the introduction to materials contains some terms that may not be familiar, more obtainable alternatives are suggested. Interestingly, where colour is used, the authors prefer gouache as being more like the heavier pigment used in China itself. Previous, more Western-based books have used transparent watercolour. The book consists of a series of simple demonstrations and, of course, simplification is very much to the fore. As a result, although each project is covered in no more than three or four pages, there is no sense of foreshortening and the number of steps is perfectly adequate. Chinese art involves working quickly and there simply isn’t that much to do – there’s no room for fiddling when you’re contending with a large, soft brush. This is a welcome return to the world of Chinese painting which, even if you don’t want to pursue it in much depth, offers palate-cleansing simplification that can only refresh your own work. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *The centuries-old art of Chinese brush painting is clearly explained in this new book from Search Press. The book explores traditional themes such as birds, plants, flowers, landscapes, fruit, vegetables and fish, through the four seasons. Using ink and colour pigments to paint onto rice paper or silk there are plenty of projects to work through including the peony depicted in spring, the lotus flower in summer, vegetable harvest in autumn and the bamboo bud in winter. Each demonstration includes an introduction to the symbolism involved plus clear step-by-step instructions. * Leisure Painter, February 2023 *The Chinese style of painting has always been popular in the West for its simplicity and elegant use of form and colour. Guides have ranged from comprehensive, which explain the philosophy and mindset behind the work, to those which emulate the style, while retaining more familiar ways of working. Despite being based on a series of Chinese publications, this falls more into the latter category than the former. The lessons are straightforward and thoroughly practical. Working methods are easy to pick up and materials have been adapted for what you will find available. The demonstrations are short, but the simplicity of the work lends itself well to no more than half a dozen steps. Subjects include trees, flowers and animals. This is a worthwhile addition to the fairly considerable library of books available and will suit those who want to gain experience of this thoroughly rewarding way of working. * The Artist, March 2023 *There are few craft books that showcase an art form as delicate and beautiful as Chinese Brush Painting Through the Seasons. Authors Sun Chenggang, Ning Xiangying, Ning Jialu and Miao Hongbo talk you through a season each, via 30 gorgeous projects that spotlight the spectacular variety of nature. * Crafts Beautiful, March 2023 *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Tools and materials 8 Basic skills 12 Spring 14 A Fortune in Bloom 16, Loquats 19, Bringers of Spring 24, Good Ripe Fruit 26, Orchid Portrait 29, Rest in the Plantain Shade 32, Wisteria in Purple 35 Summer 38 Green Leaves, Morning Glory 40, Wishes for Prosperity 43, Lotuses in Summer 46, Reflecting on the Lotus 49, Grapes 52, Lotus Fan 55, Begonia 58, Landscape 61 Autumn 64 Full of Autumn Light 66, Heavensent Seeds 69, Autumn Harmony 72, Double Blessings 75, Festival Feast 78, Crab in the Plantain Shade 81, Garden Bounty 84, Clear Spring, Shaded Scales 87 Winter 90 Blossom in the Bitter Cold 92, Camellia 95, Sweet Flag, Sweet Cherry 98, Good Wishes and Long Life 101, Farmhouse Flavour 104, Goose in the Reeds 107, Good Fruit for a Good Life 110

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