Asian Brush Painting/Sumi-e Class

Sumi-e is a technique that uses black ink and white space to capture the beauty of the natural world. In this class, you'll learn the basics of how to use the Asian round brush using traditional and contemporary techniques from Dr. Iris Lowe. Space is limited, please register to reserve your seat. Reservations are not required, but recommended. 

 Dr. Iris Lowe holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master's credits from the University of New York. She has also studied and apprenticed under several prominent artists in their field of expertise. She has taught adults Western acrylic, oil and watercolor art as well as Asian brush painting.

In 1982 she left the art world briefly to pursue her doctorate of Chiropractic. Upon completion of her doctorate, she has kept her feet in both worlds, art and medicine. In 2017, she began teaching her first love, art, at SDCCD.

World renowned Chinese brush painter Dr Ning Yeh, Professor at UCLA and Coastline College, granted Iris certification in the teaching of Chinese brush painting/Sumi-e in 2005. Iris also holds a 2016 Master artist teacher certificate in Japanese brush painting/sumi-e from Takashi Ijichi. Ijichi's branch of Asian Brush Painting, the Ryu family, is said to have its roots in 15th century Japan.

Western art is usually studied at a university. Unlike Western art, Sumi-e is very ancient. It began in China in the 6th century, when only the wealthy, rich aristocracy had the time and means to paint for relaxation. Asian Brush Painting/Sumi-e has been passed down from family to family, artist to artist throughout Asia and now the world.

Iris blends her knowledge of contemporary art with the very ancient Asian art to teach this challenging but fun way of artistic expression. She will show you all the secrets and techniques that she has learned so that you too can become an accomplished artist of Asian brush painting.