Super Simple Sumi-e: Easy Asian Brush Painting for All Ages

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Young artists ages 8 and up can learn the traditional art of Asian sumi-e painting in this first-ever kid-friendly guidebook that will appeal to artists of all ages.

Capture the spirit of charming animals—from pandas to swallows and rabbits to dragons—with just a few strokes of brush and ink!

Creative children and curious adults will have fun learning the magic of sumi-e with the simple techniques illustrated in Super Simple Sumi-e.

Learn how to make various sumi-e brush strokes and how to create animals, flowers, and bamboo with this friendly, easy-to-follow guide with step-by-step picture instructions.

Sumi-e means "ink picture" in Japanese—"Sumi" means ink and "e" means painting or picture. Since similar styles of painting with brush and ink are used throughout Asia this style of painting is often referred to as Asian brush painting.

Publication History:First Edition self-published paperback

About the Author

YVONNE PALKA was an award-winning sumi-e artist. A retired college professor, grandmother, artist, and naturalist, she loved introducing children and adults to the wonders of the natural world and the beauty of their own creativity.

She loved sumi-e (Asian brush painting) for the simple elegance with which it captures the spirit of nature. Inspired by this simplicity, she taught children and adults the essence of sumi-e painting in schools and other community settings. The same magic of the heart that gives rise to to her sumi-e paintings gave rise to her dragon stories.

Author Hometown: Whidbey Island, WA