Supply List to Bring to the Nihonga Workshop:

§  Watercolor brushes- variety of sizes. If you have hakes or other Asian brushes then please bring them. I will have various Nihonga brushes on hand for you to try.

§  Watercolor paper, 11 x 14” or smaller is fine. If you have any kind of Asian papers or calligraphy paper, then bring some as well. This is for testing and practicing the first day so you will not need much. Rough papers do not work as well as smooth (hot press or cold 140 lb ok). I am ordering you special paper, which is specific to Nihonga.

§  Optional: sumi stick and suzuri – (ink stick and stone)-I provide this communally for the class. You may want to wait and order one from Japan after the class. There are many different kinds, which you will discover. If you have one you can bring it.

§  A smock to protect your clothing from ink stains-dress casual too!

§  Optional” If you would like to incorporate imitation gold, silver, aluminum or copper leaf in your work, please bring it. I will have a pack of Japanese silver for the class to share. If you want your own pack of Japanese silver, then please let me know as soon as possible and I will order you a pack at a charge of $28.00 (50 leaves). This is not included in your materials fee. Japanese silver oxidizes beautifully. Copper does as well. Aluminum and gold do not, but they are beautiful in the work for a different effect. Imitation gold is fine. Please let me know.

§  Soft lead pencil, eraser

§  Spray Bottle

§  Note-taking materials. A camera if you choose.

§  Some examples of your work to show the class. It can be on a jump drive, iPad, or in print. It’s up to you. Please make sure you send me some of your work ahead of time so I can plan for teaching.

§  A piece of felt approximately 36” square or larger. A neutral, dark color or black suggested but any color is fine. Can purchase this at any fabric store rather than art store. Some Chinese painting supply sites carry this (usually in white or black) and call it a painting blanket.

§  Supports:

·  4 8 x 10” gessoed cradled wood panels (to paste Japanese paper on)

I Recommend from Dick Blick: #13666-0810 Flat Panel 8”x10” x 7/8”

·  2 8 x 10” pre-stretched, pre-primed canvases (to staple Japanese paper on)

I Recommend from Dick Blick: # 07135-2002 Studio Traditional Profile Canvas 8”x10”x ¾”

Note: Some people do not use all 6 supports and others wish they had more. It depends on how many works you create and how fast. Several students opt to work on 1 or 2 paintings the entire class-time and others crank out many works, both mounted on supports and others on a lot of paper. Just bring more or less if you’d like.

If you prefer to work very large then bring your own large paper and a larger panel. Japanese paper is pricey- it is listed on the extra materials list if you want to order you own large sheet. This is generally not necessary for beginning students. I will have a tarp for large brush painting outside for those of you who bring large paper and want to do this. We will have enough ink and earth colors for this. Bring large brushes if you have them. I’ll have a couple with me as well. In class you will work on your small works with the paper provided. You can also bring any other water-based media to incorporate with the Nihonga if you’d like.

*Optional sketch and reference materials:

If you are a traditionalist and want to paint from a tight sketch, please bring it to save time in class. It should be no larger than 8” x 10”. You may also wish to bring reference material for your images. If you want to paint abstractly with no prior planning, this does not apply to you.

Suggested (but not mandatory) reading prior to class about Japanese aesthetics:

§  In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki

Other good books to own in your library eventually are:

§  Nihonga: Transcending the Past: Japanese-Style Painting, 1868-1968

by Ellen P. Conant

§  Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions, Nihonga from the Griffith and Patricia Way Collection by Michiyo Morioka and Paul Berry

I will be giving you many more handouts in the workshop with other references.

Thank you. I look forward to working with you!

Please label all materials with your name so there is no confusion.

Any questions, please feel free to email me.