Sumi-e Workshop by appointment
While I give bi-weekly Sumi-e lessons (the Course), I also offer workshops upon request. These workshops are perfect for anyone who wants to explore Sumi-e at their own pace—whether for fun with friends, a school project, or simply to experience East Asian art, culture, philosophy, and meditative practice.
Through this experience, you will learn traditional brush techniques, discover how to express yourself with ink, and enjoy a calm, creative space to reflect and connect with the process.
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.
Naast de tweewekelijkse Sumi-e lessen (de Cursus) geef ik ook workshops op aanvraag. Deze workshops zijn perfect voor iedereen die Sumi-e op eigen tempo wil ontdekken—of gewoon voor de gezelligheid met vrienden, een schoolproject, of om kennis te maken met Oost-Aziatische kunst, cultuur, filosofie en meditatieve oefening.
Tijdens deze ervaring leer je traditionele penseeltechnieken, ontdek je hoe je jezelf kunt uitdrukken met inkt, en geniet je van een rustige, creatieve ruimte om te reflecteren en te verbinden met het proces.
In het verleden heb ik workshops gegeven bij Tiesjurt Concept Store in Haarlem, evenementen voor studenten van de Universiteit van Amsterdam, en ook privéworkshops en lessen in mijn eigen studio in Het Badhuis, Haarlem.
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
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) for group of 2-5 people
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: €55 (all materials, tea, and snacks included)
Details: Practice painting bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum or plum blossom.
Option 2: Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) & Sumi-e for 2-5 people
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 or other plants.
For workshops with 6-10 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
Session(s)
Sumi-e (Japanese Ink Painting) for private session(s)
Would you like to take a private session? That is also possible—you can work at your own pace and receive plenty of personal guidance and attention. The content of the session can be tailored to your interests and experience level, and it is also possible to plan a short series of sessions if you would like to develop your practice over time.
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: €70 (all materials, tea, and snacks included)
If you book three or more sessions, the rate becomes €60 per session.
To book a workshop, please provide:
Name of all participants
Preference on Date/Time (please give me few options)
Email address
Mobile number
Workshop selection (2 hours Sumi-e or 3 hours Shodo & Sumi-e)
Motif choice (bamboo, other plants/flowers, or birds)