Sumi-e ink painting offers beauty, peace

Locals participate in the free Sumi-e Japanese Ink Painting course offered at Scripps Miramar Ranch Library.

Sumi-e ink painting offers beauty, peace

Four simple ingredients: Grinding stone, Sumi ink stick, Japanese brush and Washi paper are used to create masterpieces through the ancient art form of Sumi-e Japanese ink painting.

Once a week at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, locals learn the art of Sumi-e Japanese ink painting from instructor Michiyo Kirkpatrick, MFA. This free course provides students the opportunity to delve into the complexities of Sumi-e.

Kirkpatrick grew up in the Nara, Kyoto, Osaka area of Japan where she was inspired by the works of her late grandfather as she began painting at a very early age.

“My grandfather was a known Japanese ink painter in Japan. Though he passed away before I was born, hundreds of his works of scrolls and screen paintings donated to temples remained. That inspired me,” Kirkpatrick said.

Kirkpatrick continued her passion for art and has taught college level art and design courses including Sumi-e. The Scripps Miramar Ranch Library class is offered through San Diego Community College Continuing Education. Students can register to join anytime in the class that started in the Summer of 2018. Kirkpatrick described the class and learning environment as friendly and uplifting.

“Japanese ink painting is unique because you paint with only one brush if you know how. Class is taught slow-paced, step by step, and really relaxed,” she said. “In my Sumi-e class, I teach how to draw from the thinnest hairline to the widest bamboo calm, how to make lightest gray to darkest black and create various textures to depict the essence of nature. Students grind Sumi stick on the stone to make their own color.”

Matt Belden, local Scripps Ranch resident, said he tries to fill his free time post-retirement with learning experiences, and the Sumi-e painting course fit the bill.

“I’ve always loved the way these paintings looked, so I took the opportunity to give it a try. The fact that it was being offered at the nearby Scripps library was the icing on the cake,” Belden said.

Belden has been pleased with the class and had high praise for his instructor, Kirkpatrick, his fellow students and the overall experience.

“You don’t have to be any good at this to extract great benefits from this learning experience. I believe humans need to be creative and this class is a great way to express that creativity,” Belden said.

For Kirkpatrick, this art form and course offers more than just an opportunity to learn how to paint.

“I am always fascinated by the accidental beauty created by ground Sumi mixed with water on Washi paper,” she said. “It seems like a moment of special experience that one would feel being part of the universe.”

The class takes place every Wednesday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Community Room. Students will receive a list for supplies on the first day of class. Visit sandiegolibrary.org.