Sumi-e for Beginners: Transform Your Favorite Photo into Sumi-e

About this event

Check-in time: 9:15 am

The program starts at 9:30 am

Your prompt arrival will ensure a more pleasurable experience not only for yourself but for the other participants as well.

Program Description:

Sumi-e for Beginners: Transform Your Favorite Photo into Sumi-e

Discover the beauty and simplicity of traditional Sumi-e ink painting in this beginner-friendly workshop inspired by the theme of Transform Your Favorite Photo into Sumi-e . Learn how to transform a cherished photograph into a beautiful Sumi-e painting using traditional Japanese ink painting techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring a favorite or meaningful photo, such as a landscape, flower, pet, family member, or memorable travel scene, and explore ways to capture its essence through expressive brushwork and simplicity.

This workshop focuses on composition, ink tones, and the artistic interpretation of photographs into elegant Sumi-e artwork. Suitable for both beginners and experienced artists.

No prior experience is necessary—all materials will be provided. Join us for a relaxing and meditative creative experience as we explore this timeless art form.

Under the guidance of artist Wei Tai , you will learn:

• How to handle traditional Sumi-e brushes and ink

• Basic brush strokes and shading techniques

• Step-by-step painting of birds and flowers

• How to create your own finished Sumi-e artwork

All necessary materials—including ink, brushes, and paper—will be provided in the class.

No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity and creativity. For any merchandise inquiries, please reach out.

Instructor About Wei Tai Wei Tai is a Chinese-born artist known for his mastery of traditional Chinese painting and his ability to blend Eastern and Western art styles. Trained at the Shanghai Fine Arts Institute, he later became a professor and chief designer for the China Silk Corporation. Since moving to Arizona in 1991, his work—often inspired by nature and classical forms—has been exhibited internationally and is held in private and public collections around the world.

https://www.youtube.com/@weitai5234

Location

The Garden is located at 1125 North 3rd Avenue, between 3rd Avenue and Latham (2 blocks North of Roosevelt). Parking is available in the garden.

When riding the Light Rail, exit at the Central and Roosevelt stop. The Garden is located on the west side of the rail, 0.3 miles from the station; it is directly behind the Irish Cultural Center (1106 N. Central Ave, Phoenix), just north of Portland Avenue. The Garden entrance is across the parking lot at 1125 N. 3rd Avenue.

CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

Programs that do not meet the minimum guest enrollment 10 days prior to the start date may be subject to cancellation at the Garden's discretion. The Garden will contact registered guests in programs affected by cancellations and offer refunds or rescheduling options. Guests who withdraw from a program at least ten business days prior to the scheduled program start date may receive a full refund. (A “business day” is defined as M-F.) Guests who do not show up to the event without sufficient notification before the scheduled program must forfeit their payment and reservation.