How to Make a Zen Painting

Traditional Japanese Zen painters had little formal artistic training. However, they were often skilled calligraphers who knew how to handle paintbrushes and black ink. Their idea was to spontaneously create works of art that were complete at almost the instant they were started. According to Zen painting practice, these works merely hinted at the meanings behind them. Zen painting is for anyone with deep thoughts and quick artistic impulses.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paintbrush, any size
• Black ink
• Surface on which to paint

1. Set up a painting surface, and place the brush and ink in an accessible place.

2. Meditate. Clear your mind of worldly concerns, and try to focus on nothing at all.

3. Feel the upsurge of a creative gesture or idea. Distill the idea to its most essential form, and imagine it as one continuous black mark on the painting surface.

4. Execute the idea in one fluid gesture on the painting surface, using the brush and ink.

Tips & Warnings

• Zen painting practice embraces the idea that the artist and painting are one and the same. The painting has no separate identity from the artist.
• Practice Zen painting and meditation often to develop a mind clear of fluctuations, disturbances and stress. Zen paintings are the products of a clear mind. Try not to over-think or over-analyze your creative ideas or your final work.
• No particular subject matter is more appropriate to Zen painting than any other. Any subject--when depicted in the proper frame of mind--will work for a Zen painting.
• Practice making circles. Zen calligraphers and painters associate the circle with fundamental Zen concepts of unity, nature and peace.