Charles Lang Freer, founder of the Freer Gallery of Art, had deep admiration for Japanese paintings and ceramics, which led him in 1887 to make his first Asian art purchase of a Japanese fan. Become inspired as Mr. Freer was by viewing Japanese fans and other works of art held in the Freer Sackler Collection.
Students in this course combining the Japanese art forms of sumi-e and shodo, explore the basic principles of classical Japanese painting and brushwork in a classroom setting after an informal tour of the Japanese art holdings on display in the Freer and Sackler Galleries.
Students begin by studying Japanese calligraphy (shodo) writing numbers, the Japanese alphabet, and their names. Using the refined sumi-e style, students learn to paint flowers, insects, birds, and animals with simple watercolor strokes. Continuing students focus on mastering more advanced subjects.
Previous drawing experience is desirable.
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Instructor: Aiko Shimura Erickson
8 sessions, 2.5 hours each (no class Nov. 27)
