Asian Fusion! (Sakura Ink Drawings)
To celebrate the annual blooming of the cherry trees, a national cultural event in Japan, we drew cherry blossom branches (Sakura), in the style of Japanese ink painting. Students first used traditional “Sumi-e” bamboo brushes to draw their branches. I then demonstrated how to paint blossoms in both budding and open positions, as well as how to paint blossoms facing forward and away. Sharpie was used to add the details of the Pistils and Stamens on the individual blossoms. Students who had a little extra time created and printed a “chop”, a Chinese signature stamp, which spelled out their name phonetically in Japanese characters. This was a spontaneous and quick two day lesson – – – (a departure from the more lengthy, labor-intensive projects we usually do!)
Ms. Amsler's Artroom 