The Sumi-e Dream Book: An Impressionist Approach to the Art of Japanese Brush Painting
by Yolanda Mayhall
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Publisher: Watson-Guptill
Salesrank: 261442List Price: $22.95
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Customer Reviews:
The Semi-e Dream book (2007-05-12)
Its ok but I thought it was going to be more step by step and its not. Good book thow.A Bit Shallow (2006-11-10)
Very nice pictures and some good description on Sumi-e dreamjourney painting. However, as an artist looking for more detailed explanations on techniques, I was quite disappointed. If I was just interested in general ideas on this type of painting the book would be great, but as an artist I was disappointed in the way the material was presented. For example, loading the brush was glossed over.Good paintings, but not sumi-e (2005-01-19)
This book might be interesting as some artistic approach to make paintings. the paintings are not bad. But they are not sumi-e. They are rather aquarelle, that mimics eastern paintings.
IMHO the key thing, that makes Yolanda paintings look different is her technique of brushstokes, which are very typical to the western aquarelle school. The original sumi-e brushstrokes are based on brushstokes of chinese (well, and japanese as well) calligraphy, and this is one of the characteristics that variate paintings of differnt masters.
Still, the book text is a good transcription of sumi-e/brush painting concept. Just for the painting examples I’d suggest to look at the works of the “original” artists.
A real "dream" for those interested in Sumi-e Painting (2004-04-08)
Being an afficionado of Chinese Brush painting, I was intrigued when I first saw this book. I’m not easily impressed by art books, and I’ve reviewed hundreds over the years, but this is one of those books that actually surprised me. It really is a dream for artists intersted in the brush painting of China and Japan. Here’s why…
Mayhall’s style is both beautiful and spontaneous, and the imagery in this book is breathtaking. What is really refreshing about this book, however, is that it isn’t just another *how to* brush technique book. While she does go into great detail on history, materials, technique, and subject matter, the artist puts you into the mindset of a Sumi-e artist. Rather than simply show her readers "how" to paint, Mayhall encourages them to begin their own journey into Sumi-e "dream" painting, and equips them with the knowledge necessary to find their own artistic voice. She states, "it is not only the subject that gives life to art, it is the spirit that is within the artist’s genius." Well said!
Material covered in this text includes:
* Chapter 1 - A Brief History of Sumi-e
* Chapter 2 - Studying the Dream Journey Painters of China and Japan
* Chapter 3 - Starting on Your Own Dream Journey (tools, brush strokes)
* Chapter 4 - Practicing the Four Gentlemen (bamboo, wild orchid, chrysanthemum, plum branch)
* Chapter 5 - Beginning the Creative Process (incorporating the four gentlemen)
* Chapter 6 - Learning Advanced Brush Strokes for Birds & Flowers (Yo birds, iris, hummingbirds & its flowers)
* Chapter 7 - Internalizing the Three Essential Elements of Sumi-e (creativity, composition, color)
* Chapter 8 - Planning the Journey (sketching, structure, Exploring new techniques, beginning your dream journey)
* Chapter 9 - Dreaming (more ideas & demonstrations)
* Chapter 10 - Enhancing Your Dream Paintings (calligraphy)
If you’re interested in the brush painting style of China and Japan, or would like to incorporate these techniques into your watercolor and/or ink painting, I recommend this book along with "Chinese Painting Techniques for Exquisite Watercolors" by Lian Quan Zhen… two excellent books to inspire you and bring your own artistic dreams to life.Friend and admirer (2003-07-17)
As a long time friend and collector of Yolanda’s beautiful paintings, I was overjoyed to see her latest book. I have found it to be not only well organized and illustrated but written in a style that is easily understood and followed. The inclusion of historical and contemporary works accompanied by poetic translations elevates the instructional format to a book to be cherished for its contribution to understanding the mysterious and ancient culture of Japan.
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