Sumi-e 1day Workshop by appointment
What is Sumi-e?
Sumi-e is a traditional East Asian ink wash painting that originated in China and later spread to Korea and Japan. The term Sumi-e comes from Japanese, where Sumi means black ink, and E means painting.
Using black ink on Washi paper or silk, Sumi-e captures the spirit or essence of a subject rather than detailed realism. With deliberate brushstrokes and varying ink tones, it emphasizes simplicity, spontaneity, and a meditative approach rooted in Zen philosophy.
In these workshops, you will:
Explore traditional Sumi-e techniques
Connect with yourself through mindful brushwork and breathing exercises
Learn to express movement, depth, and emotion with ink
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, the workshops provide a space to experiment, reflect, and enjoy the meditative rhythm of painting.
About the Workshop
About Soonhwa Kang
Soonhwa Kang offers Sumi-e workshops rooted in traditional East Asian ink painting, with an emphasis on presence, simplicity, and mindful movement. Her workshops are held with diverse groups in both private and public settings, including concept stores and academic environments such as the University of Amsterdam.
The sessions guide participants through the fundamentals of brushwork and ink, while encouraging quiet observation, repetition, and personal expression. Open to all levels, the workshops focus less on technical perfection and more on developing sensitivity to materials and rhythm.
Sumi-e is approached not only as a painting practice, but as a way to slow down and connect deeply with the act of making.
Words from Participants
"It was a special experience for me. When you took my hand and we painted together, I felt how much tension there was in my body. I am longing to use the attitude you showed us in Sumi-e painting. And I am grateful! Thank you so much for your warmth, kindness, and your expertise!"
— Marjan Jaspers, Visual Artist, Haarlem
Workshop
Options
Option 1: Basic Sumi-e (Japanese Ink Painting)
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: €55 (all materials, tea, and snacks included)
Details: Practice painting bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum, plum blossom, or the “Birds and Plants” motif.
Option 2: Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) & Sumi-e
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: €80 (all materials, tea, and snacks included)
Details: Begin with Japanese calligraphy to practice brush techniques and write one character, then continue with Sumi-e painting.
Motif Choice: After selecting your workshop duration, choose a motif to paint: bamboo, other plants/flowers, or birds.
For workshops with 5–8 participants, please feel free to get in touch to discuss the details.
This option can take place at your office, university, or another suitable location.
The workshop is also available as a gift voucher.
Private /
Group workshop
I still organize some group lessons, though not on a regular schedule. In the past, I have held workshops at Tiesjurt Concept Store in Haarlem, events for University of Amsterdam students, as well as private workshops and lessons at my own studio in Het Badhuis, Haarlem.
Private classes can be arranged for groups of two or more at my studio.
To book a workshop, please provide:
Name
Email address
Mobile number
Workshop selection (2 hours Sumi-e or 3 hours Shodo & Sumi-e)
Motif choice (bamboo, other plants/flowers, or birds)