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Course Overview & Syllabus Course Details


Course Title:
Traditional Sumi-e (Japanese Ink Wash Painting) & Cultural Arts
Instructor:
Hana Wilcoxson | Hana Japanese Cultural Art LLC
Target Grade Level:
Grades 6–12 (High School Elective / Middle School Advanced Art)
Subject Area:
Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Cultural Studies

Credit Value:
0.5 High School Fine Arts Credit (78 Total Course Hours)
Instructional Format & Schedule
Phase 1: Online Foundation (6 Weeks | Live Zoom)
Fridays: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Phase 2: In-Person Studio (12 Weeks)
Fridays: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM OR 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Class time assigned based on student enrollment numbers)

Course Description:
This course introduces middle and high school students to the traditional art of Sumi-e (Japanese ink wash painting), focusing on brush discipline, line quality, tonal gradient techniques, and artistic philosophy. Students will progress from foundational brush control and stroke mastery (Sanboku-ho, Kasure) to classical subjects, culminating in landscape and composition work. The curriculum combines live online theory/demonstration, intensive in-person studio application, and structured at-home independent studio practice.

Primary Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to
1.:Master Core Sumi-e Brush Techniques: Execute three-tone ink gradient control (Sanboku-ho), dry brush stroke technique (Kasure), and shading gradients (Kataguma).
2.Execute Classical Subjects: Paint the foundational "Four Gentlemen" (Shikunshi)—bamboo, orchid, plum blossom, and chrysanthemum—as well as natural landscapes and cloud formations.
3.Understand Traditional Materials: Correctly prepare and care for Sumi-e tools, including Fude (brushes), Suzuri (ink stone), Sumi (ink stick), and Gasenshi (rice paper).
4.Artistic Reflection & Portfolio: Build a curated portfolio of finished Shikishi artwork and maintain a verified home studio practice log.

Tuition & Billing Information
Tuition: $550 per studen
tSupply Fee (Starter Tool Kit & Paper): $85 (Includes brushes, ink stone, felt pad, Sumi ink stick, and Gasenshi paper)
Total Allotment Invoice Amount: $635 per student (All-inclusive / Direct billing available)

Course Syllabus for Jan.-May. 2027:

Traditional Sumi-e ArtCourse Duration: 18 Weeks
Meeting Schedule:Phase 1 (Weeks 1–6): Live Zoom Session (1.5hrs./week) + At-Home Practice (2.5 hrs./week)
Phase 2 (Weeks 7–18): In-Person Studio Session (2.5hrs./week) + At-Home Practice (2 hrs./week)
Required Materials & Equipment
-Specialized Sumi Brushes (Fude)Ink
- Stone (Suzuri) & Traditional Ink Stick (Sumi)
-Practice & Fine Art Paper (Gasenshi)
-Felt Studio Mat (Shitajiki) & Water Plates
Weekly Course
OutlinePhase 1:
Foundations & Brush Mechanics (Weeks 1–6 | Live Zoom) 
Week 1&2: Introduction to Sumi-e & The First Gentleman — Bamboo (Take)
〇Understand the difference
between Sumi-e and other art forms.
〇Learn Sanboku-ho (三墨法)
〇Kataguma (片隈) 
〇Sakiguma (先隈)
〇Uchiguma (内隈)
〇Writing your name
Week 3,4: Drawing Chinese Orchid
〇Ryoguma (両隈)
〇Dry brush technique (カスレ)
Week 5,6: Drawing Drawing Plum Blossoms
〇Learn Warifude (割筆)
Phase 2: I-Person Studio
Weeks 7–8 | In-Person Studio)
Week 7& 8: Chrysanthemum (Kiku)
Week 9 & 10 : Peoney.
Week 11& 12: Landscapes
Week 13: Abstruct
Week 14: Camella
Week 15: Goldfish
Week 16: Fun with Nikawa
Week 17: working with final artwork
Week 18: Portfolio share

Student Evaluation & Grading Criteria
In-Person & Live Online Class Participation (40%): Attendance, effort, proper brush handling, and active engagement during studio time.
Weekly Home Practice Logs (30%): Completion and parent sign-off of assigned 2hrs of home studio practice.Skill Progress & Studio Worksheets (15%): Demonstrated improvement in core brush stroke techniques over time.
Final Artwork & Portfolio (15%): Completion of a final mounted piece on Shikishi board and curated collection of practice sheets. 

Credit Breakdown & Hours.