Japanese Cat Painting Workshop (Sumi-e)

Big news from my corner – I’m gearing up to attend a hands-on Sumi-e workshop in Manchester, focusing on the art of Japanese ink painting, specifically those adorable and symbolically rich feline friends. If you recall, I’ve previously embarked on a creative journey with Sumi-e through a detailed Domestika course led by the talented artist Koshu. That experience was all about embracing the Zen philosophy, mastering the delicate Sumi-e brush strokes, and diving deep into the serene world of Japanese calligraphy and ink painting.

Now, onto the next adventure – cats! These creatures aren’t just pets; they’re celebrated in Japanese culture as emblems of luck and protectors of the home. And their elegant, mysterious aura? Absolutely captivating. I stumbled upon this upcoming workshop by the renowned Ula Fung from Floating Art Workshops in Manchester’s buzzing GRUB street food and events venue and thought, “This is it, my next artistic escapade!”

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in art workshops, cultural experiences, or Japanese traditions. Whether you’re a Sumi-e beginner, an art enthusiast, or someone looking for a unique day out in Manchester’s Cheetham Hill area, this event is calling your name.

We’re going to delve into the traditional art supplies, the revered ‘Four Treasures’ of Sumi-e: bamboo brushes, sumi ink, rice paper, and the inkstone. Under Ula’s expert guidance, we’ll explore various painting techniques, from delicate brushwork to the addition of vibrant colours, bringing those charismatic cats to life.

I’m buzzing to apply the foundational skills from my time with Koshu, such as understanding ink gradients, selecting the right paper, and perfecting the basic Sumi-e strokes. And yes, I’ll be armed with a plethora of cat photos for inspiration. Have had the honour to own three black cats over the years, George, Albert and Missy!

The agenda? Slip into some paint-friendly attire, immerse myself in creativity, and hopefully, meet some fellow kitty art lovers. I’m already planning to bring a large waterproof bag to carry my work home (safe from any rain).

Stay tuned, as I’ll be sharing updates, and photos from the afternoon. Can’t wait to sample the street food at GRUB. Expect a mix of personal anecdotes, technique breakdowns, and insights into the peaceful, meditative world of Sumi-e painting.

JOIN ME

So, if you’re curious about Japanese art forms, looking to improve your painting skills, or simply in search of a unique Manchester event, this workshop could be your perfect match.

Location

GRUB
50, Red Bank
Cheetham Hill
M4 4HF

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 from 13:00 – 15:30 GMT

Catch you later, and here’s to hoping I can bring a touch of Zen and artistic flair with a purr-fectly crafted cat painting!