Japanese sumi-e painting class in Berlín
Kaoru Hirose
Berlin offers you the opportunity to explore traditional Japanese art with Kaoru Hirose, a renowned master of the Sumi-e technique. Learn this ancient form of painting that uses ink, brush and paper to create works full of balance, simplicity and depth.
In these face-to-face classes in Berlin, Kaoru Hirose will share her vast experience and passion for Sumi-e, guiding you step by step through this artistic discipline. Whether you are a beginner or have previous experience, these sessions will provide you with a unique way to develop your creativity while connecting with the essence of Japanese culture.
Timetable and prices of our Japanese Sumi-e painting classes
Monday
Advanced level
From 10:30 to 12:00
Wednesday
Basic level (English and Spanish)
From 18:30 to 20:00
Thursday
Advanced level
From 18:45 to 20:15
Friday
Intermediate level
From 18:00 to 19:30
Online classes: 82 euros per month (4 classes per month) - Test class: 20 euros
Personal classes: 39 euros (33 euros for online students)
Give the gift of art! Gift voucher - Sumi-e course
- Would you like to give someone a course as a gift? Choose the date(s) of the course you would like to give from this page. If you don’t know the dates, you can put the expiry date of 6 months on the voucher. Now contact me for payment processing.
- I will send you the voucher as the image in PDF format with the size of the postcard (10x15cm). You can use the PDF as it is or you can print it, it looks very nice! If you want I can put the name of the person who receives the voucher.
Why learn Sumi-e with Kaoru Hirose in Berlin?
Get to know Japanese art from an expert instructor
Kaoru Hirose, a leading artist and teacher in Berlin, will guide you in learning Sumi-e, a technique that combines tradition and personal expression. In her classes you will discover how to transform simple strokes into works that capture the essence of nature and inner calm, all with the support of a teacher committed to your artistic development.
Classes designed for every level of experience
Understanding that everyone approaches art differently, Kaoru Hirose tailors her teaching to the needs of each student. Both beginners and those with experience in artistic techniques will find in his classes a unique opportunity to develop specific skills and explore new creative horizons.
An ideal environment to grow as an artist
Sumi-e’s Berlin sessions offer a space designed to foster calm and creativity. With an approach that combines technical learning and personal exploration, these classes are the perfect environment to immerse yourself in the practice and connect with the values and aesthetics of Japanese art.
Do you want to give a workshop as a gift?
Explore the art of Sumi-e in Berlin with the outstanding master Kaoru Hirose
Discover the magic of Sumi-e with Kaoru Hirose in Berlin. These classes are an invitation for beginners and experienced artists who wish to explore a unique artistic technique, steeped in tradition and elegance. Learn to express emotions and connect with the essence of Japanese art through each stroke.
On our website you will find all the details about these lessons, designed to suit the needs of each student. Kaoru Hirose, with her personalised approach, will guide you to develop an authentic style as you delve into the fundamentals of Sumi-e.
During the sessions, Kaoru will share her experience and dedication with you, teaching you how to master the ink, balance your brush strokes and capture the essence that makes Sumi-e such a unique and special art.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Discover how Sumi-e can open you up to new forms of artistic expression and transform your creativity into an unforgettable experience.
What do they think of us?
María Fernanda Matrás28 Enero 2026 Me ENCANTA! Repito el taller❤️ DANIA ESCALANTE22 Enero 2026 Es el segundo curso que hago con Kaoru. Es una docente magnifica que prepara las clases con cariño y profesionaliidad. Modifica las sesiones para adaptarse a los avances y necesidades de los alumnos. Es divertida y su manera de enseñar excelente. Recomiendo sus cursos! Núria Lladós Albiol23 Diciembre 2025 Kaoru Hirose ensenya sumi-e amb una gran professionalitat, amb paciència i empatia. Gràcies per compartir els teus coneixements. Jordi Auge cuyas19 Diciembre 2025 Un taller excelent, precises explicacions, motius preciosos, divertit, lleuger i molt bon ambient. Recomanable al 100 per 1000 Dolors Vila Mur4 Septiembre 2025 Fabulosa y muy recomendable la práctica del Sumi-e! Más que una técnica, he descubierto un excelente trabajo de introspección que integra la relajación y el bienestar. Materiales humildes como la tinta y el agua te proporcionan fluidez y un medio de expresión para captar la esencia del entorno mediante el trazo. Kaoru es una guía imprescindible para el desarrollo de esta práctica, formada en Japón, con titulación oficial, nos enseña el método, mostrando todos los pasos y habilidades. De ella aprendes a adoptar una actitud de observación y armonía al representar los elementos característicos del Sumi-e. Bilyana Iliykova6 Julio 2025 Me ha encantado el taller. Yo tenia 0 experiencia, la profesora Kaoru lo ha explicado todo super bien, paso a paso y lo he aprovechar mucho. Super recomendable. Muchas gracias. Una experiencia verdaderamente japonesa. ;) Ana Martinez17 Junio 2025 El Taller de Pintura Japonesa Sumi-e que nos dió Kaoru Hirose el pasado dia 31 de mayo en Bilbao-Getxo, fue una delicia en todos los sentidos, por la belleza de este tipo de pintura tan peculiar, por el manejo de los materiales, lo sorprendente de ver lo que tú misma consigues hacer en tan sólo un primer contacto, por la profesionalidad conocimiento y encanto de Kaoru, que sabe transmitirlo e hizo que el tiempo se pasara volando, con ganas de ampliar,de repetir y seguir practicando este arte tan bello. Una gozada. Gracias! Cristina Escudero6 Junio 2025 Karoshu enseña de una forma delicada como es ella y lo es el Sumi e Acompaña en el gesto para que este se incorpore a tu memoria y a tu mano Ha sido una experiencia enriquecedora Gracias!!!!
Frequently asked questions about Sumi-e Japanese painting courses in Berlin
Berlin is a city that celebrates art in all its forms, and Sumi-e fits perfectly into its contemplative and creative spirit. Learning this Japanese painting technique in Berlin allows you to combine Eastern tradition with European artistic sensibility, guided by Kaoru Hirose in interactive online classes.
Each online session includes a theoretical introduction, practical demonstrations, and drawing exercises. Classes are held live, with time for questions and personalised corrections. The format is designed for relaxed learning, even if you have no previous experience.
All you need is a Japanese brush, sumi ink, an inkstone, and rice paper (washi or hanshi). You can easily find these at local art shops or online. If you would like to discover more about Japanese artistic tradition, we recommend visiting the Museum für Asiatische Kunst in Berlin, which houses original pieces related to ink art.
Classes are mainly taught in Spanish, but support is also available in English. Several students residing in Germany choose the bilingual option, which facilitates understanding and learning without language barriers.
Sumi-e is a meditative and artistic practice. It helps to calm the mind, develop concentration and connect the body and breathing with the movement of the brush. Many students in Berlin consider it a mindful break from the digital routine and a way to reconnect with creativity.
All you need is an internet connection and a device with a camera. Register using the form available on this page and you will receive an email with the schedule and the link to access the next online session. The entire process is simple, secure and completely online.
Japanese Sumi-e painting classes in other cities
Contact
Blog

Brush exercises for beginners: 10 minutes a day to improve your sumi-e strokes
In sumi-e, you don’t “fix” a stroke: you learn to do it with intention. That’s why, before painting bamboo, plum trees or landscapes, it’s a good idea to practise the essentials: control, pressure, ink load and fluidity. In this routine, you’ll find brush exercises for beginners designed to be practised for just 10 minutes a

How to frame and preserve an ink artwork: paper, glass, humidity and light
A work in ink on paper (such as sumi-e) is delicate by nature: the medium “breathes”, the ink interacts with time and the environment (light, humidity, heat) can accelerate ageing. If you want to understand why paper, ink and brushes have such a big impact on the result (and also on its preservation), start with

Common mistakes when learning sumi-e and how to avoid them
Learning sumi-e—Japanese ink painting—is a path of personal and artistic discovery. However, many beginners become frustrated when their results do not reflect the harmony and fluidity they observe in the masters. Sumi-e cannot be learned through technique alone: it requires attitude, breathing and awareness. In this article, you will discover the most common mistakes when

Where to learn Sumi-e online: a guide to the best courses for beginners
Learning Sumi-e, Japanese ink painting, has never been so accessible. Thanks to online classes, you can now get started in this ancient art from home, at your own pace and with the guidance of certified teachers. In this guide, you will discover where to learn Sumi-e online, the best courses for beginners and how to