In this article I discuss the difference between Sumi-e Ink and Chinese Paint Colors vs regular watercolors and introduce different types of paper for Asian brush painting. We practice painting a teapot and teacup from reference photos I took and that are available below, then paint a scene with the teapot, teacup and loquat fruit.
‘Would You Like Lychees With Your Tea’ Sumi ink and Chinese watercolors painting on xuan rice paper by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Some of the things you will learn from this workshop include:
introducing Asian brush painting books, two of which include a teapot and cup sample painting exercise;
the differences in the weight of Asian painting papers and which are best to use for practice vs finished artworks;
why it is so important to do practice exercises with Asian brushes and Sumi ink to prime the brush;
what the difference is between Chinese paint colors and regular watercolors;
approaches for minimalist Asian painting;
full painting demonstration;
and more…
Simple strokes Sumi Ink teapot and cup painting on Xuan Rice paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Teapot and Cup Asian Brush Painting Workshop Video Replay
Below is the full video workshop of my Live painting session. The paints, surfaces 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:
0:00:00 - Intro To Asian Brush Painting
Here is my favorite reference image website where I found teapots for inspiration:
https://pixabay.com/images/search/asian%20teapot%20and%20teacup/
Here is my Asian Painting Supplies Idea List on my Amazon Storefront:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/tristinadietzelmes/list/11WECVEABP1BR?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d
As an Amazon Associate I earn commissions on qualified purchases.
Here is the video in which I show how to mount a fully dry Asian brush painting on rice paper onto bamboo paper with Nori Paste starting at 2 hours 39 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/live/RUciWa8FlIQ?si=f2ltWim0EOWGKpVy
Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions in the comments below. Thanks for watching! 😍
Reference Photos of Teapot and Teacup
Here are reference photos of my own Asian teapot and Japanese style teacup to use when following along with the video class. Note these images are copyright 2026, Tristina Dietz Elmes and are for personal use only.
“Loquats with My Tea” Sumi ink and Chinese paint colors painting on Korean mulberry paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes. At the time of writing this article, art prints of this painting are available on my Etsy Shop HERE.
Supplies List for Teapot and Cup Asian Brush Painting Workshop
Here are links to the supplies list for the Sumi ink, Xuan paper, Asian brushes and accessories shown during the video. As a Blick Affiliate and Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases for links below that lead to Amazon and Blick Art Materials.
Book: Chinese Brush Painting Through the Seasons by Multi-Authors Softcover (2023) - https://amzn.to/4sHHg9K
Book: Japanese Ink Painting by Naomi Okamoto Softcover (1996) - https://amzn.to/4lZAf1v
Book: The Beginner's Guide to Chinese Painting Vegetables and Fruits by Mei Ruo Softcover (2010) - https://amzn.to/4bECpjw
The Chinese Stamp Kit Book and Chop Stamps Barnes & Noble (2003) - Hard to find set! Search the Internet for availability.
📗📘📙
Fluid Sumi Black Ink - https://amzn.to/4tdK1zc
Easyou Marie's Chinese Paint Colors Tubes Sets - https://amzn.to/4s5ZIYq
Yasutomo Gansai Tambi Sumi Paint Set of 12 - https://amzn.to/4tfhFEQ
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen Black with Refill Cartridges - https://amzn.to/3NXH7j8
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen Sepia with Refill Cartridges - https://amzn.to/4lZqUqs
Calligraphy Sumi-e Practice Rice Paper 50 Sheets - https://amzn.to/3PzxRm1
Korean Thick 60gsm Calligraphy Sumi-e Ivory Color Mulberry Paper 100 Sheets - https://amzn.to/4tbbBxa
Gray Felt Table Cover for Sumi Painting - https://amzn.to/4bGbMuE
Fuumuui 5 Piece Asian Brush Set - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G12DCWGB?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.2KYV5BBNOZY3I&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.2KYV5BBNOZY3I_1774856365838
Asian Painting and Calligraphy Brushes Set of 24 - https://amzn.to/4s6o5W7
Asian Brush Stand and Drying Rack - https://amzn.to/3NMxaVU
7-Well White Porcelain Watercolor Palette - https://amzn.to/3PD7NX3
Faber Castell Collapsible Tulip Edge Brush Holder Water Cup - https://amzn.to/3Pxxyon
General's The Master's Brush Soap 2.5oz Jar - https://amzn.to/49k2Jgq
General's The Master's Brush Soap 24oz Tub - https://amzn.to/49k2Qsm
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
🎨🎨🎨
Note that most of the list of supplies above can be found on the Blick Art Materials website and shipping is generally free for orders of $79 or more. Check them out here:
https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2F
************************************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
Or, check out art supply recommendations on my Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
https://www.amazon.com/shop/tristinadietzelmes
Liquid sumi ink with practice warm-ups bamboo, tea cup and calligraphy on Xuan Rice paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes.
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 artworks, gift items and some art supplies 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.
If you're new to Whatnot, sign up with the following link and get $15 in Whatnot credit to use to shop on the platform:
https://www.whatnot.com/invite/tristi...
I hope you'll join me and the thriving Artisan community over on WhatNot soon!
Teapot, cup and Chinese character calligraphy on practice Xuan Rice paper with Yasutomo Sumi Colors and Asian brushes.
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https://www.ebay.com/str/tristinadietzartst
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Happy Arting! 🎉