Super Simple Sumi-e

"The details make this Asian brush painting technique so appealing that both children and adults will be tempted to work at it together, transforming this activity into a true family experience."
—Seattle Book Review

With a few strokes of brush and ink, you can paint charming animals from pandas to swallows and rabbits to dragons with this introductory book to the traditional art of Asian painting called sumi-e.

Creative children and curious adults will have fun learning the magic of sumi-e with the simple techniques illustrated in Super Simple Sumi-e. Learn how to make various sumi-e brush strokes and how to create animals, flowers, and bamboo with this friendly, easy-to-follow guide. Sumi-e means "ink picture" in Japanese. "Sumi" means ink and "e" means painting or picture. Since similar styles of painting with brush and ink are used throughout Asia this style of painting is often referred to as Asian brush painting."Like Ed Emberley, the artist offers clear, step-by-step instructions . . . Charming, practical, and a good guide to using a brush to create simple illustrations."
—Kirkus Reviews


"The details make this Asian brush painting technique so appealing that both children and adults will be tempted to work at it together, transforming this activity into a true family experience."
—Seattle Book Review


"I hope some will think of this Sumi-e picture book as a gift to set someone on a path of discovery about Asian art and the history of Asian cultures."
—International ExaminerYVONNE PALKA is an award-winning sumi-e artist. A retired college professor, grandmother, artist, and naturalist, she loves introducing children and adults to the wonders of the natural world and the beauty of their own creativity.

She loves sumi-e (Asian brush painting) for the simple elegance with which it captures the spirit of nature. Inspired by this simplicity, she teaches children and adults the essence of sumi-e painting in schools and other community settings. The same magic of the heart that gives rise to to her sumi-e paintings gives rise to her dragon stories.