I’ve always been drawn to the simplicity, elegance and beauty of Asian ink painting. There is a calmness and serenity that seems to radiate from the delicate nature of each work of art.
Earlier this year, with absolutely no training, and just for fun, I began to play with a brush and some sumi-e ink. I painted some ensos for my NYZCCC class as my final project and got the brush-painting bug. So when my friend Toinette Lippe – whose beautiful brush paintings I’ve long admired – offered a class at a convenient time for me, I jumped at the chance.
My meditation practice has taught me that, in the words of D.T. Suzuki: “Nothing can ever really be learned until it works through the nerves and muscles.” So I know it will take me years of practice to mature in this new endeavor. I look forward to the day when my body can paint a beautiful brush stroke.
The lovely Toinette Lippe
First class group table
My first attempt at drawing bamboo
Great painting of bamboo, great friend, and great quote about learning in the bones!
Lovely lady, indeed! And lovely first attempts . You are lucky to have found your way to such a wonderful teacher and human being.
Yes, I am lucky to have had Toinette as a friend for many years and now as a teacher. A double whammy of goodness!