Adventures in Brush Painting

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Table of Contents and painting of wisteria Picture

Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting

Here's a sneak peek at what you'll find in my new book, "Mindful Artist: Sumi-e Painting". You can order it from your local bookstore or through Amazon or  through the publisher Walter Foster Books/Quarto Creates. Publication date is December 3, 2019. The e-book version will be released at the same time as the hard copy. I hope you're as excited as I am! I can hardly wait!
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May Pan of HMay Art Supply in China has posted a wonderful documentary article on me and my work. You can see it here and one on the lovely Egyptian artist Tereza Mitry here. Tereza allowed me to post a critique of one of her paintings here.

​Hmay Art Supply is a xuan paper manufacturer from Jing county Xuancheng city Anhui province - the birthplace of xuan paper. They produce top grade xuan paper (shuen paper, rice paper) and provide superior quality paper crafts and other art items for Japanese calligraphy, Chinese brush calligraphy & Chinese sumi-e painting, etc. I highly recommend their products.
Artist in her studio

Virginia receives her package of goodies from China!

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My last post offered suggestions on Chinese brushes, ink and colors. This time we’ll explore the mysterious and richly rewarding world of Chinese papers.
Paper for Chinese brush painting comes in varying thicknesses and absorbency, depending on its purpose. I use mostly raw (unsized) paper for quick-stroke flowers and birds, and a selection of raw and semi-sized papers for my landscapes. There is no right or wrong. You find out what works best for you by trial and error.
Tip: When you start off, you may find that a good practice paper in a roll, which imitates the handmade rice papers pretty well but is a lot cheaper, works best for you. 
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Tip: You can also practice on newsprint, but the danger there is that you get used to that surface and then have to make a big adjustment when you move to rice paper. You may also create a masterpiece on newsprint, only to find it yellowing and turning brittle in a couple of years. Regular watercolor paper does not work because it does not absorb the moisture of the stroke.
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Collection of Chinese Brushes

Some of my Favorite Brushes!

If you are trying Chinese brush painting or Japanese sumi-e for the first time, the most important item is the right natural bristle Chinese brush. It's worth spending some money on this, although you can get some okay brushes for $10 and others that will practically create the painting for you for $200. The good news is, if you’re just starting out, you don’t need a “Dragon brush” for $200.

Virginia
Lloyd-Davies

Painting in sumi-e and Chinese brush technique since 1976 in 'splashing ink' style has taught me to appreciate the delights of spontaneity. Just as in life, there is no 'perfection' in painting, but there is much joy. Come join me in this adventure!