Sumi-e Painting: Master the meditative art of Japanese brush painting (Mindful Artist)

by Virginia Lloyd-Davies

• ISBN13: 9781633228122
• Publish Date: 3 December 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Walter Foster Publishing
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 128
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Mindful Artist through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and 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.

For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog Nonstop Reader.

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.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.