Sumi-e Oriental Brush Painting Workshop

Frederica Marshall leading a sumi-e workshop at the Camden Public Library in 2008

Frederica Marshall is a Master Brush Painter, artist, teacher, and researcher. She lived in Japan for 28 years where she explored western painting styles with Michiro Mori and studied sumi-e (Asian brush painting) for 10 years with Grace Yen. She teaches numerous sumi-e and watercolor classes at her studio in Deer Isle and traveling brush workshops at art and educational institutions in the United States and in the Republic of China. She will be leading a sumi-e workshop at the Camden Public Library on Tuesday evening, January 12, at 7:00 pm, as part of the library’s “Jumpstart January” program for adults. Pre-registration is necessary by calling the library at 236-3440; there will be a $10 materials fee.


“You’re invited to explore the beautiful art of sumi-e,” she says. “I will provide paper, brushes, ink, watercolors, water containers, paper weights, and plates for palettes. The traditional materials will give you the opportunity to experience ‘the stream of wind off the tip of the brush’ that is part of this ancient Asian art.” Marshall does warn that the ink does not wash out of clothing!

Her studio/school in Deer Isle attracts artists from all over the world to study traditional and Zen style painting. For more information visit her website at Fredericamarshall.com. Her works of art are included in private collections in Australia, Europe, Japan, and the U.S.

The other workshops in the January series will include “Vision Boards” with Cayla Miller on Thursday, January 5; “3D Snowflakes” with Amy Hand on Tuesday, January 24;  “Art Lab” with Cayla Miller, Maureen Egan, and Linden O’Ryan on Thursday, January 26; and “Wet Felting Embellished Bags” with Susie Cooke on Tuesday, January 31. You will need to register for each workshop by calling the library at 236-3440; there is a $10 materials fee for most workshops.