Sumi-e
Painting Classes by Karen Kurka Jensen
Six
Week Sessions on Saturdays being scheduled for Spring 2010
Cedar
Rapids Museum of Art, Cedar Rapids, IA
The Spirit of Sumi-e:
Introduction to East Asian Brush Painting
Painting
classes with Karen Kurka Jensen at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Originating
thousands of years ago, ink painting or sumi-e, as it is called, is
one of the oldest art forms.
Deceptively simple in appearance, sumi-e
can be a refuge of inner-peace and self-enlightenment. Learn to find
the essence of your subject, its spiritual quality and then how to
put the whole world in a brush stroke.
New
session starts Oct 24 for 6 weeks. Classes meet for 2 hours.
Choose
the class time that works for you.
Afternoon
Intermediate class open to previous students only.
Session
Details: Oct 24 – Dec 5, with a break on Nov 28.
Intro
Class: Morning class 10:30-12:30
Intermediate:
Afternoon class 1:30-3:30
Sign
Up now to secure your place, space is limited.
Tuition
for 6 weeks:
Individual
$210
Two
family members: $315
 
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Learn the basics of Sumi-e!
Beginning classes, and Ongoing classes to support and develop advanced students. Reserve a spot now! Click here to sign up.
After you sign up, I will email you with payment options. There are two ways to pay: Pay using PayPal or major credit card, or Pay with a check
Why you should consider Sumi-e classes
August 19, 2009
Hi, this is Karen, and right now, I’m on the North Shore of
Lake
Superior, about 30 miles from Canada, at a Sumi-e Painting workshop
that I attend even year. It’s lead by my long-time friend and
mentor,
Susan Frame. It totally rejuvates me every single year, and I love it,
and would recommend it to anyone. To see more photos of what
it’s like
up here, go to our Flickr account (link below) and check them out. It
really is heaven on earth here.
Anyway, I was thinking about the upcoming classes, and realized that
most people have no idea why they might want to take Sumi-e classes.
Most people might think they aren’t artistic enough, or that
they have
no artistic talent, or that they are just afraid of being embarrassed
in front of other “real” artists. Then I thought
back to when I got
started. I had no idea what Sumi-e was, I had no idea if I could do it,
I didn’t know if it was something I would like, and I
didn’t know if I
had potential as an artist or not.
I did know I loved what I saw. That it gave me a certain rush to see
the artform. It was sensuous and real. I liked that.
Long story short, it took some coaxing to get me to try it. But once I
did, I just fell in love. I was taught to take baby steps and learn the
basics. It is essential to learn the major basic forms of Sumi-e, and
that’s the stuff I teach in my beginning classes. I
didn’t know if I
could do it, and it was certainly daunting to see my mentors’
paintings
and hope I could do something like that someday.
But I found a part of myself I didn’t know was there. And it
changed my
life. I loved the freedom of expression, I loved the materials and the
concept of using the earth’s raw parts and creating something
different, I loved the way it made me feel – a sense of calm,
peacefulness, and sense of refreshment similar to meditating. It seemed
to give me balance to my harried and otherwise stressful life. Once you
practice Sumi-e painting, you will start to see the world from a
different angle, and like myself and many others, it could open a whole
new world to you. It could impact the rest of your life too!
You might not think you can do it. I teach these same classes to middle
school kids every summer, and some of those students will actually be
taking these classes at the Museum. I take the classes slow, and spent
time with every student, keeping the classes small. And
they’re a lot
of fun!!
Here’s a note I received recently from one student:
“…your
class is very energetic and creative and the demonstrations are really
well done (way to go Karen, whooo!) and amazing to watch =)
It showed
me a way to do art in a totally different method that I didn't know
existed.. and it's a great art form when you don't really feel like
painting every single detail. Thank you.”
One more thing – balance. When it comes to the brain, too much left isn't right!
We all need to appreciate and use that creative right brain, whether
it’s your dominant side or not. With balance, life is much
more
enjoyable.
Hope this makes you think. Try it – you might REALLY like it!
The world would hate to miss out on the next great Sumi-e artist!
My best to all,
Karen
karenkurkajensen@gmail.com
319-396-9735
P.S.
Click on the link at the top pf this page to register for classes. They
begin Sept 5th!
Here
are photos from the North Shore, where I’m at a painting
workshop this week.
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August
11, 2009
Hey
everyone,
Just an
update for you
on the Sumi-e
Classes beginning Sept
5th at the Cedar Rapids
Museum of Art.
First, 6
people have signed up for the classes so far.
That's about one-third of our capacity! People from every walk of life
- a life
coach and young mother, a couple former students that I taught
at Coe's College for Kids, a marketing executive, and a couple
of professional artists.
Second,
I'd like to announce a BRING A FRIEND BONUS!
If
room allows, and if you are
an enrolled student in the class, you can invite a friend to come to
the very first class FOR
FREE. If that friend
decides to take the rest of the classes in that session, at the regular
price, I will give both
of you a beautiful new sumi-e brush
as a gift, similar to my well-used one in the photo. If you will be
bringing a friend, RESERVE a spot by sending me an email - if
the class fills, this will be based on a first come basis.
Third,
there's also a SEND
A FRIEND BONUS!
If you
definitely feel you can't benefit from the classes or take the time
(see my TOP TEN email beginning tomorrow), if you refer or send a
friend who signs up for the classes, you will receive a free painting
from the lesson demonstrations. As many of you saw at my home sale,
these small paintings are simple but nice, and many of you had them
framed professionally. This bonus will be offered on a first-come
basis, based on signups.
Everyone
knows someone who needs more fun, less stress, and that feeling of
being a kid again. Pass on this email and let them know you're thinking
of them!
And remember, two immediate family
members get a reduced rate! 50% off on the second person!
To make sure materials are here for
the first session, please enroll before August 26th.
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