Sumi-e is a traditional Japanese art style that uses black ink to create simple yet expressive monochrome paintings. The technique involves using a brush to apply varying shades of black ink onto rice paper or silk, with an emphasis on capturing the essence or spirit of the subject rather than its exact details. Sumi-e often features natural subjects such as landscapes, flowers, and animals, and is characterized by its use of bold, spontaneous brushstrokes and negative space. The style emphasizes minimalism, balance, and harmony, and has been practiced in Japan for over a thousand years.
Here are some paintings of animals using this technique.
