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Letter from BRIO Artist Karen Kurka Jensen
Hi, this is Karen, and I just returned from the North Shore of Lake Superior, about 30 miles from Canada, where I attended an annual 5-day Sumi-e Painting workshop. It is lead by my long-time friend and mentor, Susan Frame. It totally rejuvenates me every single year. I love it and would recommend it to anyone. To see photos of what it is like up there, go to our Flickr account (link below) and check them out. It really is heaven on earth to me.
Anyway, I was thinking about the upcoming classes (time is running out to sign up), and realized that most people have no idea why they might want to take Sumi-e classes. Most people might think they aren’t artistic enough, or that they have no artistic talent, or that they are just afraid of being embarrassed in front of other “real” artists. Then I thought back to when I got started. I had no idea what Sumi-e was, I had no idea if I could do it, I didn’t know if it was something I would like, and I didn’t know if I had potential as an artist or not.
I did know that I loved what I saw. That it gave me a certain rush to see the art form. It was sensuous and real. I liked that.
Long story short, it took some coaxing to get me to try it. But once I did, I just fell in love. I was taught to take baby steps and learn the basics. It is essential to learn the major basic forms of Sumi-e, and that’s the stuff I teach in my beginning classes. I didn’t know if I could do it, and it was certainly daunting to see my mentors’ paintings and I hoped I could do something like that someday.
But I found a part of myself I didn’t know was there. And it changed my life. I love the freedom of expression, I loved the materials and the concept of using the earth’s raw parts and creating something different, I love the way it makes me feel – a sense of calm, peacefulness, and sense of refreshment similar to meditating. It seemed to give me balance to my harried and otherwise stressful life. Once you practice Sumi-e painting, you will start to see the world from a different angle, and like myself and many others, it could open a whole new world to you. It could impact the rest of your life too!
You might not think you can do it. I teach these same classes to middle school kids every summer, and some of those students will actually be taking these classes at the museum. I take the classes slow, and spend time with every student and keep the class size small. And they’re a lot of fun!! Here is a note I received recently from one former middle school student:
“…your class is very energetic and creative and the demonstrations are really well done (way to go Karen, whooo!) and amazing to watch =) It showed me a way to do art in a totally different method that I didn't know existed.. and it's a great art form when you don't really feel like painting every single detail. Thank you.”
One more thing – balance. When it comes to the brain, too much left ain’t right! We all need to appreciate and use that creative right brain, whether it’s your dominant side or not. With balance, life is much more enjoyable.
We have a couple more spots in the morning class, and several in the afternoon class.
Don't forget the Family Discount, the Bring-a-friend Bonus and the Send-a-friend Bonus! (see below for details)
I hope this makes you think. Try it – you might REALLY like it! But hurry - allow a week to order and receive your materials - so that's this week!
The world would hate to miss out on the next great Sumi-e artist!
My best to all,
Karen
karenkurkajensen@gmail.com
Here’s where you can sign up for the classes. They begin Sept 5th!
Here's where you can order your materials for class!
Here are photos from the North Shore, where I painted last week.
Family Discount: A second member of the family can attend for 50% off, so 2 for $315
Bring-a-Friend: If you attend class, you may bring a friend to the first class FREE, and if they sign up for the class, you both receive new sumi-e brushes from me as a gift.
Send-a-Friend: Know someone who might like these classes? Refer someone and receive a free demo/practice painting, suitable for framing.
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815.776.1010 
Sandra Principe, artist and author, will be signing copies of her new mystery: Murder at Galena Gallery, at BRIO Art Gallery, on Sunday, May 24, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. This is the fourth in the Karen Prince Galena Mystery series. It features the now familiar artist heroine solving a murder at the Spring Opening at Galena Gallery. Along the way the reader learns about chocolate making, prairie grass biofuels, raising Pygmy Goats, and the enchanted island of St. Barths. The book includes descriptions of Galena, scenic Horseshoe Mound, and the local countryside.