Here is everything you need to know to get started in the art of sumi-e. All materials and techniques are covered, including grinding ink, handling the brush for maximum control, composing pictures, even carving a soapstone or wooden seal for signing your work, and mounting a finished painting. Develop your skills while you paint fish, orchids, bamboo, plum tree branches, and landscapes with rocks, trees, water, birds and other life forms, all in step-by-step exercises.

Stunning examples of ink paintings are shown in full colour, some using watercolour as an accompaniment, offering unlimited inspiration.