I love painting here! The bamboo brushes are so soft and they hold loads of water, which is really cool. Next time I want to paint big mountains. I want to do this every day! — Ivie, Guest of Children’s Workshop

Monthly Inky Hands: A Sumi-e Experience

An Introductory Workshop for All Young Sumi-e Artists of All Levels

Book as a one-off session or join us every month!
Dates: Last Friday of the month. Choose from: 29 May / 26 June / 31 July 2026
Time: 4:00pm to 5:30pm (1.5 hours)
Fee: £20 per session
Location: A4 Studios, 30 Grosvenor Road, Altrincham, WA14 1LE

What we’ll create together

Each month, we dive into a brand-new theme inspired by the natural world. From the delicate legs of an insect to the bold strength of mountain scenes, children will discover the versatility of ancient Japanese ink painting.

Through the “Four Treasures” (brush, ink, rice paper, and inkstone), students will learn to capture the essence of:

• Seasonal Nature: Bamboo forests, blossoming flowers, and misty landscapes.
• Living Creatures: The graceful movement of birds, fish, and animals.
• Wonders of the Earth: Sun-ripened fruits and tiny garden insects.

Every child will proudly complete their work by applying a traditional red artist seal (chop), leaving with a gallery-worthy painting.

Why sumi-e transforms children

Sumi-e is more than just an art class; it is an exercise in calm confidence. Unlike busy craft sessions, our “single-stroke” philosophy builds patience and emotional regulation. By focusing on the flow of the ink and the rhythm of their breath, children develop a newfound artistic identity and a sense of quiet focus.

Session Flow (1.5 hours)

Welcome & Breathing: Grounding ourselves for the creative journey.
Theme Introduction: Discovering the month’s subject (Animals, Insects, or Scenes).
The Four Treasures: Preparing our ink and traditional materials.
Technique Practice: Mastering the specific strokes for the day’s theme.
Final Masterpiece: Painting on authentic rice paper.
Red Seal Ceremony & Reflection: Honouring our work and sharing it with the group.

Upcoming Themes for 2026

May: The Majestic Mountain Fuji Friday, 29 May We begin our journey by painting the iconic peaks of Japan. Children will learn how to use bold, sweeping strokes to create snow-capped mountains and soft mist, mastering the balance between strength and space.

June: Tiny Wonders: Painting Insects & Garden Life Friday, 26 June We shift our focus to the small but mighty! From the delicate wings of a dragonfly to the busy legs of a beetle, students will practice fine-line brushwork and precision to bring garden creatures to life.

July: The Colours of Summer Fruits Friday, 31 July To celebrate the height of summer, we will paint the round, juicy shapes of seasonal fruits. This session focuses on “toning” the ink to show depth and ripeness, teaching children how to make their paintings look three-dimensional.

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Term Time After-School Course

An Ongoing Creative Journey with an Annual Studio Showcase

Date: Tuesdays (Term time / Starting from 9 June, 2026)*
Time: 4:00ppmm to 5:00 (1 hours)
Fee: £20 per session (Ongoing Course, termly booking only)
Small Group: Max. 4 children for tailored support
Location: A4 Studios, 30 Grosvenor Road, Altrincham, WA14 1LE

While our monthly workshops offer an exploration of specific subjects, these ongoing sessions are designed for the young sumi-e artists who wish to study the art of Sumi-e in its most traditional form.

Learning, Playing and Creating Together

In this ongoing after‑school course, children will start with the building blocks of sumi‑e by learning to paint the “Four Gentlemen” – the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. These four plants form the heart of the tradition, and each one will take us roughly a whole term to explore, so your child can grow steadily in confidence and skill. Along the way, we’ll also do some lighter, playful activities, such as painting cute little animals, and we’ll occasionally work together on a big shared piece where everyone can see how their marks come together in a joyful, group creation. Some of the children’s work will be selected to be showcased in an annual exhibition, giving them a special sense of pride and recognition for their efforts.

Sumi‑e for Growing Minds

If the bold, expressive brushstrokes of sumi-e have caught your attention, I’d love to share why this practice is so much more than an art activity. In sumi-e, each brushstroke is made with care and intention, and because the ink cannot be erased, it gently encourages us to accept what is there and respond thoughtfully. This can be a powerful reminder that learning is not about getting things perfect first time, but about noticing, adjusting, and growing with each experience.

*Other dates are available on request; please email us to discuss.