Japanese Ink Painting: The Art of Sumi-e

This came so fast I couldn't believe it. It was just what we were looking for and just in the right amount of time. The book is perfect for a beginner looking to learn the right way. It's easy to follow and is a great teaching tool.

Some reviewers carped that sumi-e is Chinese-that the Japanese `stole' it. So the publisher fudged the title. Well, whatever! The book is good for beginners because I am a beginner. Naomi Okamoto keeps one important aspect of ink painting manageable-the loading of the brush with ink. Getting ink on the brush and then putting the brush to the paper is the most difficult function to learn. She keeps sumi-e from being a chore. Buy the book. Matter of fact purchase a number of different books because each artist has his own way of approaching the same subject.

Okamoto covers the most essential areas of the art of sumi-e in a balanced and objective approach. I learned a lot while reading her book and it moved me to learn more things about sumi-e. The pictures, paper, and book itself are of high quality, and is interesting to look through even if you do not paint with inks. A wonderful book, I reccomend it to anyone interested in Asian art. Also makes a great gift.

Naomi Okamoto's book on sumi-e is the most comprehensive and helpful book I have found to date on sumi-e. Utilizing a detailed approach, beginning with the basics of sumi-e, Okamoto leads the reader through the practice as a whole, paying close attention to technique, mindfulness and composition. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Japanese ink painting.

this book provides the reader with a clear description of the basic equipment needed for painting, as well as a clearly explained basic strokes. the book leads the read through a series of progressively more difficult exercises from the "classical" traditions of sumie, like the orchid, bamaboo, and plum blossom. having recently been on an introductory course in Sumie this book helps reinforce the lessons learnt there. the author provides a good basic text for an absolute beginner that allows a person to begin and develop his talent. he describes and provides clear descriptions and numbered pictures of how to paint the various classical paintings. this may seem a bit like "paint by numbers" but gives one a good feel of "copying" the old masters of sumie.out of 3 books ordered on sumie I use this one the most as a binner. the other two are for more advanced painters or those wanting to appreciate the art. The mustard seed gardern manual of painting is a good work but not as easily or clearly expalined as Okamoto does here for the western beginner.you will not go wrong in buying this book if you are a beginner.