“Focusing on the movement of the brush and my breath, not the final result – the process was surprisingly calming once I accepted imperfection. Truly the highlight of my month.” — Hannah, Workshop Guest
Monthly Seasonal Sumi-e: The April Camellia
An Introductory Workshop for All Levels
Date: 28 April, 2026
Time: 10:00 to 12:30 (2.5 hours)
Fee: £40
Location: A4 Studios, 30 Grosvenor Road, Altrincham, WA14 1LE
Every month, we gather at Kapok House to celebrate the changing seasons by painting a different seasonal flower. In April and the beginning of May, our focus turns to the Camellia—a symbol of enduring love and the arrival of spring, known for its bold, glossy leaves and delicate, layered petals.
Join me, Jasmine Lau, for a 2.5-hour immersive experience. Whether you’ve painted with us before or are picking up a brush for the first time, these monthly sessions are designed as a quiet sanctuary to help you unplug and find your flow.
What we’ll create together:
In this session, we’ll dive into the meditative world of Sumi-e, focusing on the unique structure of the Camellia. Using traditional black ink on delicate rice paper, we’ll practice capturing the flower’s “spirit” with mindful, singular strokes.
You’ll get hands-on with the Four Treasures (the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone) and learn how to master ink dilution to create the soft, velvet-like tones of the petals and the deep, strong “bone” strokes of the leaves. We’ll finish by applying the traditional red seal to your work.
This monthly introductory workshop also serves as a helpful prerequisite for our regular ongoing Sumi-e courses. It’s the perfect way to get comfortable with the tools and the flow of the studio before we dive deeper into the ‘four gentlemen’ together.
Why join our monthly ritual?
Sumi-e is more than an art form; it’s a way to hit the “pause” button on a busy life. Focusing on a new botanical subject each month allows you to explore the subtle differences in nature while refining your own artistic identity. You’ll leave with a gallery-worthy piece of art and a newfound sense of creative calm.
Private Bookings & Events
If you are looking for a more bespoke experience, the monthly workshop is also available for:
- Private Workshops: Perfect for small groups, birthdays, or a focused session with friends in my studio or your venue.
- Corporate & Cultural Events: I collaborate with organisations to provide Sumi-e as a unique wellbeing or cultural activity for team-building and events.
Please email us to discover your personalised plan.
Ongoing Sumi-e Sessions: The Four Gentlemen
Date: Tuesdays (Starting from 9 June, 2026)*
Time: 18:30 to 20:00 (1.5 hours)
Fee: £30 per session (Four-week block booking only)
Location: A4 Studios, 30 Grosvenor Road, Altrincham, WA14 1LE
While our monthly workshops offer a seasonal exploration of specific subjects, these ongoing sessions are designed for those who wish to study the art of Sumi-e in its most traditional form.
The Traditional Path to Mastery
We follow a structured approach rooted in the classical “Four Gentlemen” curriculum. In the Sumi-e tradition, the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum are considered the four pillars of the art. Master these four, and you master the fundamental brushstrokes required for all other subjects.
- A Measured Pace: We dedicate approximately four weeks to each “gentleman”. This ensures you have enough time to truly absorb the specific techniques and spirit of each plant before moving forward.
- Structured Progression: Rather than jumping into complex compositions, we focus on building your skill from the ground up, perfecting the “bones” and “flesh” of every stroke.
- Intimate Learning Environment: To ensure you receive focused, individual guidance through each step of the curriculum, sessions are limited to a maximum of four people.
- Authentic Materials: You will work with professional-grade traditional materials, including ink stones, brushes, and rice paper, all of which are provided for your use.
*Other dates or online class options are available on request; please email us to discuss.
These ongoing sessions have a children’s after-school version; please visit Children’s Classes for more details.