Marian Strangfeld Demonstration:
Plum blossom - sumi-e ink painting
Plum blossoms are both a symbol of winter and a sign of spring. They bloom most vibrantly amidst the winter snow, and before other flowers appear. They are seen as an example of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
1. Set up my workspace. I will be using rice paper, sumi ink, a bamboo brush, watercolors, and a stamp (chop).
2. Branches are painted as different ages starting with the oldest and largest. Using sumi ink in continuous sideways strokes, I start with the old tree branch, twisting and turning my brush to create a rugged look. Smaller, thinner, younger branches are added with the brush tip.
3. Like the cherry tree with its peeling bark, dots of ink are added to create a rough texture along the old tree branch.
4. Now the blossoms are painted in simple shapes in red watercolor. The blossoms will be different sizes, from fully open to small buds.
5. The blossoms are connected to the branches with thin lines. A little yellow might enhance their color.
6. With a very small brush, I painted tiny black lines inside the flowers to indicate the stamens. For the buds, just a few lines at the tip.
7. With white acrylic paint, small white dots are added at the ends of the stamens.
8. Don't forget to include a couple of curious bumblebees!
9. Finally I sign my painting using my chop or seal and a red ink pad. This chop is carved with the symbol for perseverance.
| 
