The art of sumi-e painting, developed in China as early as 200 to 300 AD, comes from the Japanese word for "ink picture."  The ink that is used is called "sumi" and when you add an "e" to the end of the word, it means "ink picture."  Calligraphy is the basis for sumi-e painting.  the energy and control used to create each stroke is as important as the pressure of the brush and opacity of the ink.  Sumi-e paintings aim to capture the essence of the subject matter more so taan a literal representation.  It is an art form created with deep feeling.  The energy that goes into each spontaneous brush stroke is the energy imparted in the painting.  Each brushstroke is important, leaving out unnecessary elements and focusing on the essence of the subjectt matter more so than a literal representation.  It is an art form created with deep feeling.  The energy that goes into each spontaneous brushstroke is the energy imparted in the painting.

"The Four Seasons" offered here are handpainted by the artist, printed on fine quality paper, hand tinted with watercolor and accented with metallic gold highlights.  From old China, the "Four Seasons" or "Four Gentlemen" refers to the orchid, bamboo, plum blossom and chrysanthemum.  Confucian way of thinking refered to the orchid. representing summer as noble virtur, the bamboo symbolized winter and also strength and integrity.  The plum blossom was spring signifying character and the chrysanthemum represented autumn as well as modesty and loyaly.

Each painting is hand tinted and signed with the artist's chop.


Sumi-e Paintings by Sue Ann Stonesifer
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Summer - Orchid  8" x 10" Matted  $28.00 (2 for $50.00)
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Winter - Bamboo  8" x 10" Matted  $28.00 (2 for $50.00)
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Fall - Chrysanthemum  8" x 10" Matted 
$28.00 (2 for $50.00)
Spring - Plum Blossom  8" x 10" Matted
$28.00 (2 for $50.00)