Roslyn Levin, Sumi-e Artist and Teacher

Sumi-e Painting (Oriental Brushstrokes)

In sumi-e one moves with grace, strength, flexibility and balance. The artist is challenged to create paintings of simplicity and eloquence. Learn more brush control and sensitivity, to gain a strength in your brushwork. Learning the importance of white space and understanding the value of simplifying subjects will influence students' approach to all art forms.
Beginners first learn basic brushstrokes, then embark on a journey of exploration as they, along with those who are more experienced, paint a subject of their choosing with the help of Roslyn's more than 40 years experience. Each class includes a brief Qigong/Tai Chi session to refresh our bodies mid-lesson.

Brushstroke Painting "The Ink Sings and the Brush Dances"

Using one's own chi/ki/qi and the simple tools of brush, rice paper, inkstick, and inkstone, learn to control your brush with strength and sensitivity. This new way to handle a brush is applicable to any other medium you might choose. Practice the Body, Breath and Brush method of painting developed by Roslyn's sensei, Tomoko Kodama. Paper and various brushes will be available for purchase in class.

...thank you for the Sumi-e classes in Alliston. You are a wonderful teacher and your gentle, light-hearted approach makes learning a pleasure. It was an honour to be in the presence of a great Master."

INDIVIDUAL CLASSES | Contact Roslyn if you are interested in one-on-one instruction or to arrange a class in your area.

UPCOMING CLASSES

South Simcoe Arts Council

Sumi-e Painting Two–Day Workshop
Date: Saturday, February 17 and February 24, 2024.
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: 41 Victoria Street East, Alliston, Ontario
Phone Number: 705-435-2378

Level: Teen/Adult
Medium: Sumi-E
Ages: 16+
In this 2 Saturday workshop you will learn a manner of using a brush that can be incorporated into any artistic practice. You will become familiar with 3 basic brushstrokes and use them to paint at least one of what are called 'The Four Gentlemen' - bamboo, wild orchid, chrysanthemum and plum blossom - as well as other subjects. Students will have input into what subjects they wish to try.

 This artform is over 2000 years old. It is non-toxic, using very few supplies, all of which are hand-made although the paper used in the workshop will be machine-made.
Cost: $86 for SSAC members / $91 for non-members. Students are responsible for their own art materials.

For details and to register: >Visit South Simcoe Arts Council online

Sumi-e Artists of Canada

Sumi-e Painting Spring Flowers Workshop
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Time: 9:30am – Noon
Location: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Sakura Way, Toronto

Roslyn will be teaching spring flowers.
Cost: $20 for members / $30 for guests. Students are responsible for their own art materials.

For details and to register: >Visit Sumi-e Artists of Canada online

Barrie Art Club

The Brush Dances
Date: Every Thursday Afternoon In April, 2024. Four 3-hour sessions.
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: 11 King Street, Unit 8, Barrie, Ontario L4N 6B5

In this class you will learn to use a brush for creating Sumi-e paintings and the skill will be usable in all other types of painting as well. Incorporate your spirit through movement and breath into each brushstroke and make your brush work stronger. Learn how to load a brush with ink to create various shades of grey within one stroke. This knowledge also translates into your other painting projects. Roslyn will be looking to her students for suggestions of their preferred subject matter. Prepare to have fun!
Cost: $140 for members / $200 for non-members. Students are responsible for their own art materials.

For details and to register: >Visit Barrie Art Club online

Maggiolly Art Supplies

Sumi-e Painting Weekend Workshop
Date: Saturday, April 27 and Sunday April 28, 2024.
Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: 158 Broadway, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K3
Phone Number: 519-942-9560

The artist depicts the essence of what he or she is trying to portray with as few brushstrokes as possible— simply and elegantly, but with strength in each line or shade. Sumi-e is a mindfulness meditation. It is a metaphor for our journey through life, a way to grow spiritually, one brushstroke at a time. Join renowned Sumi-e artist Roslyn Levin and learn this beautiful Japanese art form in the heart of downtown Orangeville!
Over the course of three days, learn how to paint a variety of flora and fauna including those pictured here in the class description.

  Cost: $170. Students are responsible for their own art materials.

For details and to register: >Visit Maggiolly Art Supplies online

Guelph School of Art

Sumi-e Brush Painting Workshop
Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Guelph School of Art, 125 Wyndham Street North, 3rd Floor Gallery, Guelph, Ontario
Phone Number: 519-767-1317

"The Ink sings and the Brush dances" In sumi-e one moves with grace, strength, flexibility, and balance. The artist is challenged to create paintings of simplicity and eloquence. Learning more brush control and sensitivity and gaining strength in your ability to simplify subjects will influence students' approach to all art forms.
Beginners first learn basic brushstrokes, then embark on a journey of exploration as they, along with those who are more experienced, paint a subject of their own choosing with the help of Roslyn's more than 30 years of experience. Each class includes a brief Qigong/Tai Chi session to refresh our bodies mid-lesson.

  Cost: $115. Students are responsible for their own art materials.

For details and to register: >Visit Wyndham Art Supplies/GSA online

Put Together your own class!

Do you want to learn sumi-e?
Date: Choose your own dates
Location: Hold a class in your own home
Contact Roslyn to find out her availability.

You can arrange for a private class or a series for yourself or for you and a group of friends.

WHERE TO PURCHASE SUPPLIES | Click here to download the resources PDF for a list of art supply stores and online sellers.

Roslyn is a dedicated, generous teacher. I appreciated how she had... a good balance between lessons and then time to paint. She gave each student a lot of one-on-one time and honest feedback. Overall, I found her class to be a relaxing and encouraging day.... It is so mesmerizing just to watch her demos. She is one hell of a Sumi-e artist.
—VA, Kitchener, ON

The workshop Friday was all that I hoped for and more. I've had good instruction before, but no teacher has ever put together breathing and moving and being one with the subject of the painting in the way you did. You began with that, which was not only helpful, it's clearly essential. You encouraged us when we faltered, corrected us gently to move us forward, you gave each of us something personal that we needed--all with humour, grace and generosity. Thank you. —A.G. Uxbridge, ON

Roslyn is a joy to have in our studio. Her classes are relaxed and positive; everyone leaves feeling creative and refreshed. We're always happy to offer sumi-e courses at Maggiolly's and we will continue to invite Roslyn and her contented students back to share our space! —EP, Orangeville, ON