Course Prices
Inside UK
£300.00
Outside UK
£325.00
Instalments UK & International
£300.00 in 3 instalments at £100.00 each
International students will not be supplied with a paper copy
🖌️ Chinese Brush Painting (Sumi-e) Online Art Course
Master the graceful techniques of an ancient art with personal tutor feedback and video instruction.
Chinese Brush Painting, also known as Sumi-e (Japanese) or Shui-mo Hua (Chinese), is an ancient oriental art form that blends simplicity, precision, and expressive beauty. This course offers an inspiring introduction to the medium through personalised tutor feedback and step-by-step video support.
Whether you're new to the art or looking to refine your skills, you'll gain a deeper understanding of brush handling, composition, and the unique philosophy behind this elegant tradition.
👩🎨 Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Beginners with a passion for Eastern art forms
- Artists with some drawing experience who want to explore ink painting techniques
- Creative individuals seeking a meditative and expressive art form
Although suitable for beginners, some basic drawing experience will be helpful.
📚 What to expect
- Distance learning — complete at your own pace, with up to 2 years to finish
- Three structured instructional videos to accompany the course material
- Detailed feedback and support from your personal tutor
- Guidance in brush technique, ink handling, and traditional composition
- Flexible for students anywhere in the world
🎯 What you’ll learn
- Foundational brush techniques and control
- Ink preparation, grinding, and tonal variation
- Creating expressive natural forms and characters
- Understanding balance and movement in composition
- The history and cultural significance of Chinese Brush Painting
🧑🏫 Meet your tutor
Your tutor, Monika Cilmi, is an accomplished artist with expertise in Chinese Brush Painting and oriental art. Her supportive, constructive feedback will guide your progress, helping you grow both technically and creatively.
❤️ Student feedback
“Monika was such a lovely tutor and full of encouragement.”
— D. Barker
“An excellent tutor who gave very good feedback and tips. Thank you for the course.”
— E. Arthur
“Thank you so very much for your feedback on my first attempt. I have to say that you have really inspired me with your comments. I am very fond of all things oriental.”
— J. Buckley
“Thank you very much for your kind, positive, and encouraging words about my first set of works.”
— A. Munoz Munoz
🖼️ See student work
❓ FAQs
Do I need prior experience to take this course?
No. The course is suitable for beginners, though some basic drawing experience will be beneficial.
What materials will I need?
Brushes, ink, rice paper or similar, a grinding stone, and water container. Full materials guidance is included in the course.
Is tutor feedback included?
Yes, you’ll receive personal feedback on each assignment from your tutor.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You’ll have up to two years to complete the course, although most students finish within 6–12 months.
💳 Ready to enrol?
Students are able to upload their artwork to the 'The Art Room' on our website. Each student is
given a unique username and password on enrolment for their own private area in
The Art Room.
Students can upload their artwork for the tutor to collect and
critique. The tutor will then upload feedback for the student to download. If
you do not have facilities to upload your artwork, you can mail your artwork to
the tutors centre and receive your artwork back with your critique.
It is essential you label all
packages/artwork with your student number.
All our courses are written to be your comprehensive guide into
each of their subject matters. We understand that students appreciate
clarification about various aspects of their work from a course tutor, whom
provide reassurance that techniques are put into practice effectively.
This course has its own dedicated Tutor - Monika Cilmi. Monika keeps the
course up to date and relevant to today's students. She is available to students for advice and encouragement. The course has regular
exercises and assignments that are constructed in such a way as to give the
student the opportunity to practice the techniques learnt on the course and to
test themselves as they go along. Students are encouraged to submit the
assignment work to the college for the tutor to critique.
Coursework can be submitted online, as digital photographs, in your individual art room account and the tutor will upload their critique for you to download and retain forever. On many courses the assignment work may be suitable for inclusion in a student's Portfolio of Work that could be very useful later. The college will use the assignments submitted as the basis for the award of your certificate
On successful completion of this course you will have studied new skills and gained knowledge for your own enjoyment and development.
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Below are a few images from the course itself.
Learn the intricacies and delicacies of Oriental Brushwork with the Chinese Brush Painting Course.
Monika was such a lovely tutor and full of encouragement.
An excellent tutor who gave very good feedback and tips. Thank you for the course.
Thank you so very much for your feedback to my first attempt. I have to say that you have really inspired me with your comments. I am very fond of all things oriental.
Thank you very much for your kind, positive and encouraging words about my first set of works.