Love Birds, ink, 7x8in (18x21cm). Takumasa Ono

Takumasa Ono takes us through a step-by-step demonstration of how to paint a pair of Love Birds with ink in a traditional Japanese style

Sumi-e, Japanese ink painting, uses simple black ink with careful considered white space, with the focus on the quality of the lines created. The style was introduced to Japan in the fourteenth century by Zen Buddhist monks from China. This romantic image of two Love Birds epitomises the simplicity of the style.

You will need:

• Susuri (ink stone)
• Sumi (ink stick)
• Sakuyo-fude (very fine brush)
• Senbyo-Fude (line drawing brush)
• Menso-fude (setail round brush)
• Washi (paper)
• Rakkan (chop)

Step 1

Use the Sakuyo-fude (very fine brush) and, with a single stroke without stopping, make the semi-cirucular shape of the first bird's body.

Step 2

Do the same for the body of the second bird.

Step 3

For the heads, use dark ink and draw the tip of the brush toward the face from the body. As you stop, gradually press the brush down to flatten the hairs and the stroke.

Step 4

Draw the eyes and beaks of both birds using the tip of the brush.

Step 5

Paint the branches using the very tip of the brush. Ensure that the design balances.

Step 6

Add the extra bamboo as a motif by painting groups of leaves, using vertical dot strokes that are spread along all of the branches.

Step 7

Using the middle of the Senbyo-fude (line drawing brush), at a 45-degree angle, paint the feathers and the inside of the beak with pale ink.

Step 8

Again, using the middle of the same brush, at a 45-degree angle, paint the tail and face. Include the lighter, outer bands of colour before filling the gap with a single stroke. Paint everything with just one stroke.

Step 9

Finish with your own seal and sign the painting, using the Menso-fude (detail round brush) in dark ink. Remember to balance the signature with the overall design.

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