Workshop Overview
“If we study Japanese art, we see a man who is undoubtedly wise, philosophic and intelligent, who spends his time doing what? …
He studies a single blade of grass.”
-Vincent van Gogh
Sumi-e, also called Suibokuga, is the art of ink wash-painting. Characteristically, it is an East Asian art, and has been practiced there for well over a thousand years. Sumi-e depicts the spirit or essence of an object or scene rather than its outward appearance — and does so in the fewest possible strokes. Because of this simplicity, the painter’s character and personality come through in his/her work. In both viewing and creating, Sumi-e is a very contemplative form of painting.
In this class at RESOBOX, a Japanese cultural center in New York, all students will start from the basics of ink-wash painting, such as how to hold a brush. All materials such as ink, brushes, calligraphy paper, etc. will be provided for the students.
Upcoming In-person Class Schedule
Chrysanthemum with Sujime-gaki Technique
Wednesday, November 12th: 6:00 – 7:05pm & 7:30 – 8:35pm
Zodiac Sign for 2026: Horse
Wednesday, December 3rd, 6:00–7:00 PM and 7:30–8:30 PMWednesday, January 14th, 6:00–7:00 PM or 7:30–8:30 PM
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Virtual Interactive Japanese Ink Painting Class
If you are looking for a therapeutic time for yourself, or fun activities at home, please join our virtual ink painting Sumi-e class!
Participants are responsible for providing their own supplies below needed for the class. Please contact us if you have any questions:
- A round soft brush
Suggestion: YASUTOMO Calligraphy brush size 3
https://www.dickblick.com/items/yasutomo-bamboo- calligraphy-brush-size-3/ - Liquid Sumi ink
Suggestion: YASUTOMO liquid ink
https://www.dickblick.com/items/yasutomo-liquid-sumi-ink-2-oz-black-water-resistant/ - Washi paper
Suggestion: YASUTOMO Japanese Sketch Paper 9×12”
https://www.dickblick.com/items/yasutomo-japanese-sketch- paper-48-sheets-9-x-12/
Regarding paper
If you use Newsprint paper or copy paper, the eVects of ink and brush strokes will not be as visible. - A container forwater
- A couple of small dish or shallow containers for ink
- Papertowel
- Mat
Something to put under the paper. Felt cloth is best, but you can also use newspaper instead. - Paperweight or similar
You can buy the items at DickBlick online store or Amazon.
Upcoming Virtual Class Schedule
Chrysanthemum with Sujime-gaki Technique
Thursday, November 6th: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Zodiac Sign for 2026: Horse
Thursday, December 4th, 11:00am – 12:00pmSaturday, January 17th, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
**Classes will be held via the Zoom Video Conferencing application, a private Zoom link will be sent to participants before the class begins. Classes are held in Eastern Time.
Check out the Instagram account for sample Sumie work !! : @kohfusumie
And Facebook: The World of Suiboku
Gallery
About the Instructor
Ayakoh Furukawa
Visual Artist
Ayakoh Furukawa (a.k.a Ayakoh Furukawa-Leonart) is a visual artist with a unique background who has mastered Japanese calligraphy and western painting. She studied with Buddhist calligrapher Sougyu Kashimoto in Osaka, Japan. Currently, she is a member of the Metro New York Sumi-e Society. Besides the RESOBOX Sumi-e class, she had numerous teaching experiences at educational and cultural institutions such as Lyceum Kennedy Japanese School and the Japan Society Summer program. She also taught Sumi-e at numerous events to help in the public in the understanding of Japanese culture. She moved to New York in 2000 and studied Asian Art History at Hunter College, the City University of New York where she received the Master of Fine Art of Studio Art. Her paintings and drawings have been exhibited internationally at numerous established art institutions. Her deep knowledge of both Western and Asian Arts offers an enjoyable experience of Japanese art of Sumi-e.
