In this article we paint the classic elements of Asian landscapes with Asian watercolor brushes, Sumi-e black ink and watercolor paints. I share my tips for working with Magic Sheets to practice with only water, move on to Sumi ink practice of trees, bamboo, rocks, mountains, and boats, then we paint a black & gray landscape and bring it to life with transparent watercolors.
Asian Landscape painting using Sumi-e ink and watercolors by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes. The Chinese saying is “ning jing zhi yuan” which translates “tranquility yields transcendence” or a more modern interpretation is “still waters run deep”.
Some of the things you will learn include:
various types of Asian brushes and how to hold them
Magic Sheets for warm up practice with water
different grades and the 2-sides of rice paper
using Sumi ink for rich blacks and light greys
classic elements of an Asian landscape
using thin rice paper for ink sketching warm-ups
using Asian paint sticks in a grinding stone
quick watercolor paint mixes
and more…
Sumi-e ink painting on rice paper by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Asian Landscapes Workshop Video Replay
Below is the full video workshop of my live painting session. The paint and accessories used in the video are listed afterwards in this article. Enjoy! 🎨
Here are the video timeline sections if you want to jump to a particular part of the live session:
00:00 - Intro Asian Landscape Art
14:38 - Reference Books
21:29 - Review Art Supplies
40:25 - Water Magic Sheet Warm Ups
59:29 - Rice Paper Trees Practice
1:37:11 - Bamboo Practice
1:44:47 - Mountains & Rocks Practice
2:03:02 - Bringing Elements Together Landscape
Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions in the comments below. Thanks for watching! 😍
Besides reference books, I also like to use the Canva.com website on my computer to generate AI inspiration images for me to use in creating my painting compositions. Here are some AI generated images on the subject of classic Asian landscapes in the “ink print” style for your inspiration:
Royalty-Free Images
Plus, here are 2 of my favorite royalty-free image websites for finding Japanese style landscapes (or any type of image you would like to paint!):
Bamboo and Waterfall Sumi-e ink and watercolor painting by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Supplies List for Asian Landscape Painting
Here is the supplies list for the Asian painting books, sumi ink, watercolors, brushes and accessories shown during my live video. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases for links below that lead to Amazon.
Book - Chinese Landscape Painting Techniques by Stephen Cassettari 1992 (Softcover Paperback) - https://amzn.to/4mb5kyX
Book - The Art and Technique of Sumi-e Japanese Ink-Painting as Taught by Ukai Uchiyama by Kay Morrissey Thompson 1960 (Hardcover) - https://amzn.to/4iP5uJo
Book - The Art and Technique of Sumi-e Japanese Ink-Painting as Taught by Ukai Uchiyama by Kay Morrissey Thompson 1997 (Softcover Paperback) - https://amzn.to/3GFxr9a
Book - Complete Sumi-e Techniques by Sadami Yamada 1966 (Hardcover) - https://amzn.to/3GAfedc
Book - Complete Sumi-e Techniques by Sadami Yamada 1984 (Softcover Paperback) - https://amzn.to/3F12YBN
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Kristy Rice Set of 12 Watercolor Half Pans in Floral Tin - https://amzn.to/44zKUt8
Empty Half Pans for Watercolors and Magnets 48 Pan Set - https://amzn.to/3Su2uY6
Yasutomo Watercolor Cobalt Blue in a Ceramic Dish - https://amzn.to/3GRQLjv
Yasutomo Watercolor Carmine Red in a Ceramic Dish - https://amzn.to/4k1AfvS
Yasutomo Watercolor Red Ochre in a Ceramic Dish - https://amzn.to/4kiZ8TR
Yasutomo Watercolor Lemon Yellow in a Ceramic Dish - https://amzn.to/4jYiTAo
Yasutomo Black Sumi Ink Liquid 2oz Bottle - https://amzn.to/3Y7UCPe
Yasutomo Black Sumi Ink Liquid 6oz Bottle - https://amzn.to/444bkmi
Natural Luowen Inkstone and Ink Block - https://amzn.to/3G1WS4f
Fancy Dragon Carved Inkstone with Cover and Ink Block - https://amzn.to/3RrWvCu
Stone Weights Blocks For Rice Paper Set of 2 - https://amzn.to/42pWG7F
Basic Water Writing Magic Cloth Fabric Paper for Brush Painting Calligraphy Practice Set of 5 Pieces - https://amzn.to/4hT37ox
Deluxe Water Writing Magic Cloth Fabric Paper for Brush Painting Calligraphy Practice Set of 15 Pieces - https://amzn.to/3G1XkiX
Yasutomo Hosho Sketch Paper Rice Paper Pad 6H Weight 9x12in 48 Sheets - https://amzn.to/41Uy6fd
Canson XL Watercolor White Cold Press Paper Pad 140lb 9x12in 30 Sheets - https://amzn.to/4kBBhPU
Felt Sheet 36" x 18" Various Colors Available - https://amzn.to/42rAs5i
Calligraphy Asian Painting Practice Piston Water Brushes Set of 6 - https://amzn.to/4j6qYC0
Calligraphy Asian Painting Brush Set of 10 + Bamboo Drying Roll Mat - https://amzn.to/3DPiyAb
Yasutomo Fusion Brushes Round Set of 5 - https://amzn.to/4cds24V
Pentel Water Brushes Set of 4 - https://amzn.to/432iiaN
Arteza Water Brushes Set of 6 - https://amzn.to/3S7MJpF
5 Layers Stacking White Ceramic Watercolor Mixing Trays - https://amzn.to/43SxmIX
Crow Canyon Mini Enamel Trays White with Blue Rim 4.75x4.75 in Set of 4 - https://amzn.to/4kpzqNq
Plastic Droppers 3ml Qty 20 - https://amzn.to/459wZtW
Krylon Kamar Varnish 11oz Spray - https://amzn.to/43gAWKG
Jacquard Dorland's Wax Watercolor Sealer 4oz Jar - https://amzn.to/42earVZ
Yasutomo Nori Paste Rice Paper Adhesive 10oz Jar - https://amzn.to/42qoNUj
Hahnemuhle Bamboo Mixed Media Paper 9.4 x 12.6 in 25 Sheets - https://amzn.to/4jZNFss
Silicon Release Paper 8.5x11in 10 Sheets Plus 17x22in 2 Sheets - https://amzn.to/3S3vQwg
Squeegee 5in - https://amzn.to/3FcpEiH
Faber Castell Collapsible Tulip Edge Brush Holder Water Cup - https://amzn.to/3Pxxyon
Wood Brush Rest Stand Set of 2 Holds 4 Brushes Each - https://amzn.to/3OrurOi
My Recommended Cloth-Like Viva Paper Towels 3 Double Rolls - https://amzn.to/3EPZhOW
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If you would like to see other paints, mediums and art supplies that I recommend, click below to go to the Supply Links page on my website:
https://www.dietzart.gallery/supply-links
FREE Live Art Lessons Sunday Afternoons
SUNDAY afternoons I teach a FREE ART LESSON simulcast on YouTube Live and on the WhatNot auction platform followed by a giveaway and sale of my handmade marbled & collage papers as well as finished gift and art items on WhatNot. You can follow the QR code appearing in the YouTube video or follow the Invite link in the video description to join me on WhatNot for some great Live Auction Art & Gifts deals.
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https://www.whatnot.com/invite/tristi...
I hope you'll join me and the thriving Artisan community over on WhatNot soon!
Loose bold pine branch watercolor and Sumi-e ink painting by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes; inspired by artist Ukai Uchiyama.
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Happy Arting! 🎉