This session will introduce you to the ancient art of Japanese brush stroke – Sumi-e. 10:30 – 4:30 All materials provided – You are invited to bring along your own sketchbook to work in if you wish, but different types of paper will be provided. This is monochromatic illustration technique which originated in China and introduced to Japan in the fourteenth century. We will start by looking at the traditional techniques and brushstrokes using Indian ink and brushes. We will create more representational marks by learning how to paint some of the ‘four nobles’ of Sumi-e: bamboo, orchids, chrysanthemum and cherry blossom. We will then try out more mark-making techniques using natural objects and handmade brushes. This is an exciting way explore new ways of drawing and will hopefully allow you to add to or completely invent a new visual language. Participants will be encouraged to complete a more sustained piece of work, drawing on some visual references from still life and photographs, although this is not obligatory. You will hopefully leave with several studies and one planned drawing. You are invited to bring along your own sketchbook to work in if you wish, but different types of paper will be provided. About Jade: Formerly a painting student at Gray’s School of Art, Jade is an accomplished illustrative fine artist focusing on folklore, herblore and literary subject matter. She frequently works with old books, re-working them into new visual explorations of oral culture and lore, working with ink, paint and photography. ‘I love to make work that can be picked u and explored, adding a sensory element to my outcomes which is very satisfying and I hope I can engage the viewer enough to want to turn to the next page as if reading a good book.’