Japanese Black Ink Painting for Beginners, Yoga/QiGong and Shiatsu Week-long Retreat with Karen Colbert and Emer Mullarkey at Anam Cara

Sumi-e is the Japanese word for Black Ink Painting. It is a unique art form in which the fewest possible brushstrokes are used to capture the essence of the subject matter being painted. Sumi-e uses only black ink, handmade paper and a special brush. The use of the brush in innovative ways can convey a wide range of expression. In this workshop for beginners, students will be introduced to Sumi-e materials and will learn basic brush strokes and techniques for painting grasses, flowers, distant trees, mountains, and Zen Circles. Calligraphy will also be introduced with the writing of the formal Japanese character for ‘Eternity’ using basic brush strokes. Use of materials is included.

An hour long morning Yoga/Qi Gong session will take place before each Japanese Black Ink Painting class. The session will consist primarily of relaxing yoga movement with some gentle qi gong stretches and flowing qi gong movement to help boost health and get energy flowing. Each participant will also be offered one hour-long shiatsu medicinal massage session in the evening (like acupuncture but using nurturing touch instead of needles – one shiatsu session per participant overall). These practices give a sense of well being and contentment and a feeling of being refreshed, recharged and more relaxed in body and mind. No materials required.

For more details on additional activities and what the retreat fee includes, please use the contact email address listed under ‘Booking information’.

Tutors: Karen Colbert, MFA, VAI Member (for Japanese Black Ink Painting classes) and Emer Mullarkey, Shiatsu Society Ireland, BA Trinity, MA Sorbonne (for Yoga/Qi Gong and Shiatsu).
Date: Saturday 26th October through Friday 1st November, depart 2nd November
Time: 10am – 4pm
Fee: €1375
Location: Anam Cara Writer’s and Artist’s Retreat, Eyeries, Beara, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Booking: Contact Karen at 087 638 4195 or cashelblackinkpainting@gmail.com or online karentcolbert.com/…
Website: anamcararetreat.com/workshop-retreats/…