Sumi-e Painting

Chrysanthemum

With the chrysanthemum, one of the “Four Gentlemen” (shown here), you will need to keep the brush upright for the flowers while also using a side stroke for the leaves.

There are many varieties of chrysanthemums, including pom-pom, spider, spoon, and daisy. For some, you will paint the outline first before adding color, while for others you will use a quick stroke that looks like an upside-down orchid leaf. Let’s start with traditional black ink sumi-e, and then explore color.

Spider Chrysanthemum

Use your preferred brush type, ...