Sumie – ink painting

General information

For those interested in traditional Japanese figurative art, we offer courses in Japanese calligraphy (shodo) and ink painting (sumi-e). In the courses, you can learn the basics of using the Japanese brush (fude) and Japanese ink (sumi) by writing Japanese and Chinese characters or painting images in the traditional rinsho style. You will use both classical and modern Japanese artworks as models. The instructor will guide you to recognize the beauty of the works and to understand their aesthetic meaning. She will show you how to use the brush and teach you the different ways how to lead the line.

It is generally understood that the “art of the brush” can evoke a sense of peace of mind. Come with us to let go of the responsibilities of everyday life, concentrate fully on writing and forget about the ordinary worries. It is for these reasons that many people in Japan practice calligraphy, ink painting and other forms of art.

In our classes, we would like to guide you to be able to enjoy these moments of full concentration while writing and painting.

Sumi-e ink painting courses in the summer semester 2025

This course focuses on traditional Japanese ink painting techniques. By practicing basic brush strokes, students will delve into the ins and outs of ink painting. Classes will introduce the composition of oriental painting and master brushwork, especially by imitating classical subjects. You will learn how black ink behaves on Japanese paper and how it affects artistic expression.

In the course, beginners will learn the basic brush strokes and master the practice of simpler motifs such as flowers, birds, trees, etc. More advanced students will focus mainly on landscapes. Materials will be provided on site for the time of the lesson. If you are able to bring your own old newspaper, we would be grateful.
Age limit: we accept students of the age 15 and higher. Thank you for your understanding.

Sumi-e ink painting (1x per week)
15 lessons of 90 minutes each
every Tuesday (except public holidays)
It is also possible to sign up for a single lesson based on availability (see below)

Start of Sumi-e courses: 4th February 2025
The last lesson of the semester is scheduled for the second half of May 2025
For serious reasons, some lessons may be cancelled and replaced the following week, thus extending the semester. You will be informed of this in due course.

The venue: the Lucerna Palace, Vodičkova 36, Prague 1

You can reach the entrance directly from the Vodičkova Street (where trams pass), you will pass the newly opened Cafe Bar Lucerna and Pub Lucerna on the ground floor. Immediately behind it there is the entrance to the Vodičkova Palace. Please ring the bell number 401 (now relabelled “Institute of Language Education”), after opening the glass doors, enter the elevator on the right and go up to the 4th floor. There you will pass through the glass doors and head to the left, where the lecturer meats you.

The current price list can be found here: https://japan.cz/en/courses/price-list/

You have to register for each lesson no later than the Thursday preceding the Tuesday course, by 3 pm at info@japan.cz (please specify the following in the message: your name and surname, email and phone number, and the prefered day and time of the lesson as well as potential availability for the other time slot in the same day). The course fee can be paid in advance in the KIS of the CJA during opening hours or after confirming your participation by transfer to the CJA account.