Beautiful Japanese brush art by Friends of Taka Sumi-e.

A talented gentleman demonstrates Japanese brush painting in Balboa Park. The traditional Asian art form is called sumi-e.

You might enjoy these colorful photos.

Yesterday I strolled into the Casa del Prado to view an exhibition put on by the Friends of Taka Sumi-e, a society in San Diego whose members produce beautiful works of Japanese brush art. The room was filled with abundant life.

A couple of friendly people explained a little about the traditional Asian art form of sumi-e, or brush drawing. I learned that the “four treasures” are ink, stone, paper and brush. I learned a hard inkstick is rubbed in water against a rough, mortar-like inkstone to produce the ink. I learned that in Japan both calligraphy and painting often use ink produced this way.

I also observed how amazing the finished works can be. Take a look!

A fantastic Japanese Brush Painting Art Exhibition was held inside the Casa del Prado. The free event was put on by the Friends of Taka Sumi-e of San Diego.

Many beautiful works of Japanese brush art could be admired by the public in the Casa del Prado.

An inkstick was ground into the inkstone. The artist prepares her brush for another drawing.

It’s the year of the Rooster.

A few careful strokes of the brush expresses eternity.

Colorful butterflies have gathered atop this table.

A dragon.

A human figure.

Amazing finished artwork filled many tables. By artist Ileane Tatar.

A jumping green frog. By Ileane Tatar.

A hen with chicks looks up at a rooster banner–a banner portrayed on a banner! Art by Louise Rendich.

Two koi and cherry blossoms, by Pat Wolfe.

I believe these might be storks. By artist Kazuko (Kay) Mese.

A rugged mountain landscape with ancient trees. By artist Debra Hirschy.

A humorous cat, by artist Karen Straus.

A trotting horse, by Louise Rendich.

One could spend hours in this room.

Superb flowers, very fine art by Takashi Ijichi.

Another unique rooster with generous daubs of color.

Delicate flowers and leaves, by artist Soon Chu.

Pink blossoms above a volcano, by Marlene Leet.

I would love to live here. Dreamy Japanese brush art by Marlene Leet.

A furry feline. Rebecca Leet-Homung.

So much beauty to absorb. One’s life is uplifted.

A hummingbird, by artist Iris Lowe-Reiss.

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