Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate
3-week Short Course – Enrolling now
- Dates: Wednesdays; 5-May, 12-May, 19-May, 2021 – 3 classes
- Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm
- Location: MAC Hawthorn Studio, 817B Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
- Course fee: $260 incl. GST
Award-winning Japanese Ink (sumi-e) artist and teacher, Junko Azukawa, will guide you through painting four traditional images that contain the basic strokes that every sumi-e artist masters: The Four Gentlemen.

The Four Gentlemen is a collective noun for four plants.
They represent the four seasons and originated in Chinese art in the 960s AD. Many neighbouring countries, including Japan, adopted the four gentlemen into their traditional art practises.
Beginner sumi-e artists focus on The Four Gentlemen because of their refined beauty, and the fundamental brushstrokes used to create them.

Over four weeks, you will learn how to paint:
- Orchid
- Bamboo
- Chrysanthemum
- Plum blossom
During this practical course, Junko will also teach you how to:
- Grind Japanese ink using stone
- Mix different shades of ink
- Hold the brush
- Explore painting with an empty mind
This course is open to complete beginners and intermediate artists. Our classes are limited to ten places to ensure one-on-one tuition, and all materials are included in the course fee.
Enrolment details
Dates: Wednesdays; 5-May, 12-May, 19-May, 2021 – 3 classes
Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm
Location: MAC Hawthorn Studio, 817B Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Materials: All materials included
Course fee: $260 incl. GST
Terms and Conditions (excerpt): No refund or credit will be provided after 14 days prior to the course commencement (21-Apr, 2020), during the course or after the course has finished.

Feedback from past students
“A most enjoyable class. Junko provided technical advice to really enable a clear understanding of the technique required and she was super lovely to boot!” – Ricci, 2019
“Junko was very attentive & willing to extend any interest. An absolute pleasure to be in Junko’s class.” – Sally, 2019