Sumi-e, or black-ink painting, is a delicate art form using black ink on paper. Often capturing the beauty of the natural world, Sumi-e is a practice long associated with scholars, artists, and literati in east Asia. Traditional Sumi-e uses black ink diluted with water to achieve gradations of color creating ethereal and contemplative landscapes and botanical imagery.

Artist Keiko Romerstein will lead a one-hour demonstration of the art of Sumi-e. Keiko Romerstein was born and educated in Tokyo, Japan and married a Brooklyn man in 1973. While she worked for multiple companies in New York City she studied watercolor, oil, and other art forms. She is certified by the New York School of Interior Design and is associated with the Sumi-e Society of America, Sumi-e Society of America Sarasota Chapter, Toyo Suibokuga Association (Japan) and the Petticoat Painters. She has exhibited work locally, nationally, and internationally in exhibitions in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Keiko Romerstein’s scroll paintings can be found on rotation in the Nancy L. and George R. Ellis Tea House and are rotated seasonally.

Artist Statement:
Working with brushes and rice papers and Sumi ink, stroke by stroke, brings me a kind of Meditation. When I teach Sumi-e it gives me a second chance to learn as if I am a beginner, fully attentive in the creative mind. I enjoy my students learning and their pleasure. As a Japanese born person, I feel this art form (Sumi-e) should be continued from generation to generation. Sometimes I combine the techniques of Sumi-e and watercolor to express more freedom of my own. Unlike Western paintings, Sumi-e artists do not sketch on rich paper, we just draw with certain strokes to express the essence of subjects. Perspectives, light, shade are not significant, yet white or empty space is important for the balance and composition of work. Each brush stroke is only a one-time occurrence. This is the most important promise for Sumi-e.

We cannot repeat another stroke on the stroke to correct.

It is just like our life.

We cannot correct our past.

Each occurrence in our life is only one time happening.

So, we do our best to meet people with respect.

So, I paint endless beauty and mystery of great nature with my best stroke.

An ancient master said, only diligent practice will make a perfect painting.