Sumi-e is the Japanese word for black ink painting, a style of art in which the brush strokes capture the spirit (Ch’i) of nature rather than a photographic likeness. Emphasis is placed on the beauty of each individual stroke of the brush.
In this workshop, students will view examples of the art form and then try their hand at a simple brush painting using photographs of flowers as inspiration. The focus of this class will be on “The Four Nobles”: bamboo, grass orchid, chrysanthemum, and plum blossoms.
Students must purchase supplies in advance and bring them to the first class. See What to Know for a list of required supplies.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Patricia M. Green, artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A124
Instructor
Patricia Larkin Green, artist
Patricia Larkin Green is a Chicago-based sumi-e artist and oil painter. She is the recipient of many international awards, including the prestigious Special Cultural Award from the China Modern Ink Painting Institute and Art Museum (Beijing, China) and Second Grand Prize from the Jade Buddha Temple (AnShan City, China). Larkin Green Sensei holds the highest rank of Shihan (Grandmaster) from the Genshinkai calligraphers association in Japan. Currently, Larkin Green teaches sumi-e classes in the Rinzai method at The Japanese Culture Center in Chicago.
Proceeds from her artwork and teaching activities benefit The Japanese Arts Foundation, whose mission is to expand opportunity, education, and the sustainability of Japanese arts in Chicago to diverse communities like Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library, museums, and other philanthropic organizations. Learn more at her website.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
There will be a lunch break midway through the program. Please bring a sack lunch and water.
Some materials are provided.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Required Supplies
Please bring one of the following sets of three basic sumi-e brushes:
- Three traditional sumi-e brushes from Blue Heron Arts (good quality for the price and overall best value)
- Set of three sumi-e brushes from Blick (lower-quality, tend to fall apart and can be frustrating to use, but convenient if you just want to try)
- Sumi-e painting set from Oriental Art Supply (complete kit that includes brushes along with other materials to continue the practice on your own)
Program Schedule
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
