MINDFUL ARTIST

Birds AND Botanicals

Monika Cilmi

Table of Contents

Introduction

Tools & Materials

Tips & Methods

Painting Subjects

Capturing the Moment

Connecting with Nature

Letting Go

Freedom

Spread Your Wings

Inner Journey

Inner Beauty

The Peace of Here & Now

Growing in Harmony

Ready to Fly

Kindness

The Harmony of Nature

The Essence of a Rose

Natural Confidence

Joy

Delicate Movement

About the Author

Introduction

I have always been inspired by Japanese art and Zen Buddhism. I first came across Zen brushwork about 15 years ago while living in London. Buddhism helped me understand more about art, as well as how to bring mindfulness into my own life and work.

I fell in love with the energy of the line and black strokes dancing across the paper. I started practicing by myself at first, and then I studied Japanese art and painting. I now use my own personal approach and create drawings using brush and ink, in addition to Japanese brush pens. I continue to learn every day and understand more about this incredible medium, for which the process is the main point. My strokes are a reflection of this journey.

Zen brushwork is all about the moment and remaining in the moment. The artist becomes one with the brush to capture the nature and energy that surround us. As Japanese philosopher Kitarō Nishida said, “True creativity is the phenomenon of life itself.”

Drawing is an active meditation, inspired by your feelings related to the subject. You become the subject. For instance, focus your mind on the flying movement of a bird or the smell of flowers as you draw, and those things will become evident in your art.

This energy is called “chi” or “ki” in Asian art, and it is expressed in this style like a dancing line. There are no interruptions or corrections; simply take a clear, deep breath as you complete a stroke. The process is about connecting with your breath and your body as a whole. Try to keep calm, and focus on your breathing. Tension will keep you away from the moment.

Prepare yourself by closing your eyes and taking three deep breaths, with your blank paper in front of you. Then, gently but with intention, use your brush or brush pen to create your first stroke. You’ve now started your journey. Again, it is essential to focus on the process, rather than the result. There is no right or wrong and no judgment—only you and the energy moving through you with your drawing.

Remaining aware of your feelings and surroundings will ensure that you have a beautiful, mindful experience. If you find it difficult to keep calm, return to your breathing and the feeling you had at the start. It is not about perfection, and your strokes will be different than mine. But this is your moment and your inner journey.

For me, mindfulness is fully experienced without many thoughts. I know this can be difficult to achieve, as our minds are always thinking, but by listening to your breath and through the fluidity and harmonious movement of each stroke you create, you can change the way you perceive things around you and the way you see yourself through art.

By accepting yourself without judgment and just going with the flow, you will have a beautiful experience, being fully here and now.

Tools & Materials

You can find all of the tools and materials for this book by searching online for Asian art supplies. Some of the pens are also available from local art suppliers.

In this book, I mostly use Japanese brush pens, but you can also create the projects using traditional brush and ink, as in the tradition of “The Four Treasures.”

The Four Treasures

The Four Treasures are the ink stone, ink stick, paper, and brush traditionally used by Chinese Zen Buddhist monks and scholars to practice calligraphy.

Brush Pens

The brush pen is a modern Japanese invention officially called fudepen, which in Japanese means “calligraphy brush.” These brush pens work almost identically to small ink brushes and can be used for most of the same purposes.

The fudepen is designed for calligraphy and consists of a pen nib with an ink reservoir that mimics the brushlike quality of the ink brush. The ink is designed to adhere well to modern paper, so you can use this pen on different types of paper.

Fudepens have gained popularity among artists who choose them over traditional brushes.

Here are the pens I’ve used in this book:

Pentel®

Sakura® brush pen

Tombow® fudenosuke

Japanese calligraphy pen with ink refill

When you buy brush pens, look for these specific Japanese brands because they are built for calligraphy and are remarkably close to a traditional brush. There are various good brands and you cannot go wrong with a fudenosuke brush pen.

Sakura also makes colored brush pens, which have lovely, vibrant colors—but you can also use other watercolor brush pens. I’ve used Stationary Island® brush pens in some projects.

Paper

You can use various types of paper with brush pens. In this book, I’ve used Canson® 180gsm heavyweight cartridge paper and a Faber-Castell® 140gsm watercolor pad. You can use any other similar paper or a different brand, but make sure the paper isn’t too grainy.

Traditional Tools

If you decide to work with traditional sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) tools, here is what you will need.

INK Traditional ink comes in sticks that you can grind yourself using an ink stone. They are made with oil soot or pine soot. You can also find liquid ink in bottles, but many professionals find it less rewarding in terms of the effects that they create. I also believe that the process of grinding an ink stick brings you closer to the mindful approach, and it can be a great ritual.

PAPER Traditionally, various types of paper are used, but most of it is handmade. As a beginner, you can start with machine-made paper, though. I suggest paper made from rice, mulberry, or bamboo.

BRUSHES These should be strictly Asian, not Western. They are made with animal hair, such as goat, horse, deer, sheep, weasel, and a mixture. I advise you to buy a good-quality brush that will last a long time, as it will make a difference in your work. You can start with a medium-sized one.

Tips & Methods

When using brush pens, remember to think of them as traditional brushes. As I mentioned on this page, there are many types of brush pens available, but the ones I’ve used in this book are the best for the effect and the mindful feeling we’re looking for.

In terms of which brush pen to use, it depends on the project. For instance, if you are drawing a very delicate and elegant bird with gentle movement, I would advise you to use the fudenosuke. For a bolder, stronger effect, a Pentel brush pen or Japanese ink pen would be better, as they offer more fluidity and can create larger strokes.

Use a Japanese brush and a brush pen the same way. Apply different amounts of pressure on the tip, depending on the stroke you wish to create. Convey a lighter effect by slowly releasing the pen at the end of the stroke (see below right).

Use colored brush pens over black strokes to create contrast.

I’ve created a couple of the projects using just colored brush pens. When using colored brush pens, the effect will vary depending on the brand you use. For instance, Stationary Island brush pens create a subtler, more delicate effect, as shown in the next image, while the Sakura Pigma® produces more contrast and vibrant colors as shown in the second image.

In the end, follow your feelings. The mindful effect you are portraying will guide you as you use the pens.

Painting Subjects

Capturing the Moment

Let yourself be inspired by a moment of action in the life of a natural creature. Maybe you’d also like to reflect on human life and how we might act in our own moments of movement.

When you draw this bird, focus on its action and how it makes you feel, as well as what you see in nature. Reflect on the simultaneous strength and delicacy. For real-life examples, you could look outside your window to spot some birds flying, perhaps closing your eyes and imagining the movement of wings. Focus on the “here and now,” and notice what you feel.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Traditional Japanese brush pens and ink

1 Start by drawing two thin lines that join at the end to make a pointed bill.

2 To make the head, add two round lines starting from each end of the bill. Also add the eye.

3 Draw a long, curved stroke down and breathe through it to remain aware of the movement of the line, as well as its fluidity. Then add two short, quick strokes to resemble the feet.

4 Draw the first wing by continuing the line from the head. Create the feathers with short, broken lines as you envision movement and the action of flying. Notice how you feel.

5 Repeat the same steps with the other wing as you feel the freedom to create your own lines.

6 Close the body with a long, curved stroke and a small flick for the tail.

7 Create two small, very round, adjoining strokes to represent a small fish jumping out of the water. The stroke will come naturally to you as you focus on the movement.

8 Add details to the fish, as well as small, dotlike strokes to convey splashing water.

9 Finally, draw thin, curly, downward-facing lines, plus some lines for the grass. Keep it personal and follow your feelings to complete your drawing.

Connecting with Nature

There is a huge variety of inspiring creatures and birds in nature. Viewing them can be a way to connect with nature itself, as well as to explore its beauty.

The shape of this unique bird is inspired by a razorbill. When you begin this piece, think about all that nature provides us with, as well as your connection with nature and how you see yourself there. For inspiration, you could look in your garden, open a window and breathe in deeply, or go to a park and touch the trees and look at the sky. These actions will help you become more aware of the way your brushstrokes move and the fluidity of the lines you create. Always focus on the present moment and notice how you feel.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Traditional Japanese brush pen and ink

1 Start by taking a deep breath, and then draw a thin, curved line.

2 Create the bill and gently make a long, downward-facing stroke. It can be challenging to create one fluid, long line, but if you focus on breathing mindfully, the motion will feel more natural. It is the process that is important, not the result.

3 Mindfully create another curved line from the head. This will create a closure between the head and body. Fill it in with black and observe what you feel as you look at this unique part that features delicate movement but also a strong effect with black.

4 Draw a shorter, thicker stroke under the previous line to form the wing, again keeping a gap and not joining the strokes. This resonates with the effect of flying and movement.

5 Create a longer, curved line that conveys the fluidity of the body and its movement.

6 Add another smooth stroke, connecting with the previous one. Shape and move through the strokes with your continuous and harmonious breathing, bringing awareness to your experience.

7 Returning to the top of the bird, add the other wing with a soft line moving to the left.

8 Add short, close-together strokes to create feathers, and notice what feelings this movement from long to short strokes brings you.

9 Add a small line to complete the effect of the body, closing the shape of the wing on the back, and add some freestyle strokes at the bottom.

10 Complete the bird with additional quick, irregular strokes that resemble grass—or whatever you feel will represent or symbolize your experience.

Letting Go

In a mindful moment, you may realize that there are things you need to let go of in order to grow and continue your journey in life. As you draw this bird, focus on letting go of anything that doesn’t fulfill you. Remember to create continuous strokes and fluidity to capture nature in a mindful moment.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Pentel Japanese brush pen

1 Start by drawing two thin, adjoining strokes to create a pointed bill, and then add a curved line for the head.

2 Complete the head by adding a curved line under the bill to create the neck. Use gentle, fluid movements to make harmonious, thin strokes with your brush.

3 Continue by drawing the first wing, starting from the body and going up, curving the stroke slightly and ending with short strokes at the top.

4 Repeat step 3 for the other wing, joining the two wings at the body.

5 Add irregular strokes to complete the front wing. Remember to use your instincts and capture the movement of the bird using many short, imprecise strokes going in different directions. Apply pressure to your brush pen or brush to create contrast between thin and thicker lines and lighter and darker areas.

6 Continue with similar steps to complete the lower feathers, and add a long-slanted stroke for the leg.

7 Add the other leg as you did in step 6, and end with short, irregular strokes to resemble feet.

8 Draw some grass and ground effect on the base with quick, sharp lines, pressing down on the brush and then releasing to form a point.

9 Complete the piece by adding texture and contrast. Follow your feelings and imagination to finish with any details you wish to add. Remember that less is more here.

Freedom

I named this project “Freedom” because it makes me feel at peace and ready to move on and let go to live my life fully. For me, this bird represents those feelings in action. This bird truly looks in harmony with the environment.

When you draw this bird, think of how you feel when you are free and relaxed, whether that’s at home with a cup of tea, creating art outdoors, or something else. Try to work without correcting any strokes for a continuous, harmonious effect.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Pentel Japanese brush pen

1 Start by making a line to create the top of the bird’s head and bill.

2 Complete the head by closing the line of the head and bill.

3 Continue the line down to the body and create a small, circular stroke at the end.

4 Work on the wings using quick, short strokes.

5 Continue the line under the wing to create the rest of the body. Finish with larger strokes for the tail by applying more pressure on the brush or brush pen.

6 Complete the wing by adding small strokes inside, and create the shape of the head and eye. It is always best to have a balance of thick and thin lines to give movement and character to your art.

7 Add more texture to the body using your own style and imagination. Your artwork does not need to look like mine; feel free to following your feelings and personalize your piece.

8 Draw random strokes beneath the bird, focusing on how you see the environment around it. It can be different from the one presented here, but keep it simple with a minimalistic effect.

9 Add irregular strokes around the bottom of the bird to resemble grass.

10 Add color. I’ve used Sakura Pigma micron brush pens for this piece, starting with orange.

11 Add green around the head and on the grass.

12 Complete this piece by adding blue to make the bird stand out. You can use colors with a textured effect, like I’ve done with brush pens, or add a smoother effect with watercolor. Listen to your feelings about the composition and what it represents for you.

Spread Your Wings

This project is very dear to me. It expresses the power in all of us and our connection with nature. While drawing, reflect on how this bird makes you feel when you look at it, and go from there. It is not just about following the steps, which are meant only as a guide, but also about feeling the movement in your hand when using ink, whether it’s a brush or brush pen.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Pentel Japanese brush pen

1 Start near the bottom of your sheet of paper and draw a continuous line in the shape you see here to create the head of a bird.

2 From the top of the head, continue the line going up with a curve, and then turn left with your brush or pen to create a few feathers.

3 Continue to draw the feathers downward. Add a separate stroke to close the wing and a shorter one inside to create a sense of movement. Make two short strokes to create the neck and the beginning of the body.

4 From the bottom of the head, continue the line to create the other wing using a flowing stroke. Then fill in with black around the head and bill.

5 Complete the wing by adding a stroke to continue the previous line. The effect of interrupted lines gives movement to the bird and the composition.

6 Complete the wing with another short stroke.

7 Work on the left side of the tail using a smooth, wavy stroke.

8 Complete the right side with a similar shape, but keep the two sides separate.

9 Add linear texture to create depth and make the bird stand out. Feel free to use your imagination and own style here to make small changes to what I’ve done!

Inner Journey

This project is inspired by the journey of life and the personal journey through the various stages of life. It offers a way to reflect and find balance and a calm feeling.

Before you start this project, you can tap into mindfulness by taking few deep breaths and visualizing what this flower makes you feel. Perhaps use your senses to hear water around you and feel the lightness of a flower’s petals. Then just open your eyes and your strokes will feel calmer and more harmonious.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Japanese brush pens and ink

1 Start by drawing the first five pointed petals, with one central petal and the others around it.

2 Continue adding more petals in the back.

3 Complete the first flower.

4 Begin drawing the second flower on the right, keeping the petals close to the previous flower and using it as a guide.

5 Continue to build up the second flower by drawing more petals, nearly following a circular shape.

6 Complete the second flower to create a balanced effect.

7 Now add two leaves at the bottom of the flowers, using circular, open strokes. Add a thin, soft stroke in the middle of the left leaf and a curved one on the other leaf to represent the leaves folding.

8 Add a much larger leaf at the top, using a long and curved stroke that nearly disappears at the end before touching the flowers.

9 Draw a series of irregular lines—some wiggly, some round, some straight—following your feelings and thinking of the movement of water.

10 Create contrast with darker strokes around the flowers and leaves, as well as inside the petals.

11 Choose a color that makes you feel calm and relaxed and create some colorful touches on the flowers. I have used pink because it symbolizes love and joy.

12 Add green with no precision, thinking of the effect and spirit of the composition. I have used a very delicate green with Japanese ink, but again, you can express yourself using a different tone.

13 Complete the piece by adding color to the water. This color is only meant to capture the essence of the water and give you a mindful feeling within the process and journey you’ve made while drawing this image.

Inner Beauty

This project is inspired by all forms of beauty and the interpretations of it in terms of love, care, and mindfulness. For me, the swan is a bird of obvious but also mysterious beauty and delicacy.

As you work on this piece, focus on the intention of letting go and feeling completely loved and relaxed. The movement of the strokes you create will guide you through a journey of inner beauty, which will, I hope, leave you with awareness, clarity, and a calm feeling.

You may choose to look at any water feature around you, sensing and hearing the water flowing. Another option is to look at the clouds and their formations, which can often resemble the light effect of wings. This will bring you a sense of peace, guiding you as you create the movement of this water bird. Try taking three deep breaths before starting.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Traditional Japanese brush pen and ink

1 Start by drawing two short adjoining lines to create the bill.

2 Add a round stroke from the bill without touching the other side.

3 At the end of the bill, draw an almond-shaped stroke for the eye, with a small flick at the end. This emphasizes the shape and movement of the eye.

4 Draw a delicate, curved line, following the movement of the head but leaving a gap between the two. The strokes do not touch. Notice how you feel as you draw these curved and fluid lines.

5 Draw another curved line down from the end of the eye, as part of the body.

6 Add another fluid line to accentuate the shape of the neck, and then move your attention to the feathers. As you create each stroke, take a breath and press harder through the middle of your stroke to create short lines with varying thicknesses. It helps not to move too slowly or too quickly, but rather to find a balance in the action of the strokes, making them as natural as possible and reflecting on your own feelings.

7 Continue with the same approach to draw more feathers on the bottom. Keep focusing on the movement; the stroke will come naturally to you.

8 Add a few shorter, more delicate strokes on the outside, making sure to stay close enough to the other feathers to create a balanced effect.

9 Add more feathers inside the body for balance. The strokes are delicate and strong at the same time, and that is the beauty of them.

10 Draw some thin, interrupted lines along the base, as well as some curly ones that look like spirals, to create the sense of water. Keep it personal and follow your feelings to complete your drawing.

The Peace of Here & Now

This project is inspired by a peaceful moment captured in the here and now as a reflection on mindfulness.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Pentel Japanese brush pen`

1 Start by drawing two adjoining strokes to create a pointed bill.

2 Add two gently curving lines for the head, lifting the brush or brush pen to create a thinner stroke at the end.

3 Continue to draw the body with two separate strokes. On the left side, follow the same direction as the top line of the head, with continuity.

4 Create thicker strokes from the body to resemble feathers, and then add two short, loose strokes for the feet.

5 Add long, curved, fluid lines starting from the bottom of the feather, still moving toward the left, to create the long tail.

6 Add irregular strokes alongside the bird to create a large branch. Include interrupted lines to imply movement.

7 Add some texture to resemble bark, applying varying amounts of pressure on the brush to form different lines.

8 Complete the drawing by adding texture on the bird and filling in the head with black to create contrast with the rest of the body.

Growing in Harmony

This project celebrates the delicate feeling of this flower, which can be seen as a symbol of growth, anticipating new experiences, and approaching life with harmony.

As you draw this flower, think about what you would like to do in your life and what brings you joy. You might go out to your garden or to a park and look around, noticing the plants and considering how they make you feel. The curved strokes in this project will help you unfold feelings that reflect on the harmony in nature.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Japanese brush pens and ink

1 Start by drawing a thin stroke from the top corner going down, creating a curve in the middle of your stroke.

2 Add another curved line from the top corner of the previous one, nearly joining the lines at the end.

3 Create the body of the flower by adding another line moving downward and joining with the others, as well as a short, curved stroke on the right side.

4 Draw two thin lines for the stem and a small, oval-shaped line for the pistil.

5 Begin drawing the flower on the left with a delicate, curved line that’s level with the first flower.

6 Complete the top part of the second flower with another curved line.

7 Then add two strokes for the body of the flower.

8 Add two thin lines for the stem.

9 Draw the leaves. I’ve created three, but feel free to personalize your piece and follow your feelings in terms of number of leaves, their angles, and their movement.

10 Add details and texture, using ink or a brush pen to create simple veins on the leaves and contrast on the flowers. Use your imagination.

11 Complete the illustration by adding colors, such as a gentle touch of green and yellow, or color the flowers with any shades you like and that resonate with you.

Ready to Fly

This project is inspired by the power of the line and the beauty and movement seen in nature.

As you work on this piece, think about the action of flying as seen in a bird up above. Avoid correcting the strokes you make, as you want the artwork to look fluid and continuous, capturing the essence of nature.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Pentel Japanese brush pen

1 Start by drawing two short, curved strokes that join in the middle to create a small bill.

2 Draw the first part of the wings without applying a lot of pressure on the brush or brush pen.

3 Add the feathers, as shown in the image here. Also, add another stroke for the body.

4 Connect the lines of the body to create a long tail. Apply more pressure to make a thicker line, and then release it to form a point. Add short strokes, pressing with the body of the brush to create the thickness shown here. Add a few spontaneous lines for the legs.

5 Refine by adding more strokes for the feathers, using various stroke thicknesses.

6 Draw long, slightly curved lines to resemble a branch. Then add some smaller and thinner branches around the main lines using just the tip of a brush pen.

7 Leave the piece as it is, add branches, or use your imagination to complete it!

Kindness

This project is inspired by kindness in any form, whether it’s in nature, in people, or in our hearts. It is a reflection on the importance of being kind. Focus on your own kindness and how it might inspire you.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Sakura Pigma brush pen

Tombow fudenosuke pen

1 Start with the branch on the left, using light brown with a brush or brush pen to very gently to create a thin, delicate line. Add an imprecise stroke, like a large dot, at the end.

2 Draw a second branch on the right. I’ve created an interrupted line by stopping and releasing the brush. You can make a continuous line if that’s easier, but I wanted to show you an alternate effect as well.

3 Add the last branch by forming a lower, curved line and maintaining the balance between the branches and the composition. Again, make the lines very delicate and thin.

4 Still using brown, draw the leaves around each branch, trying to maintain a natural balance. Press down on the brush and slowly release it to keep a large, pointy shape.

5 Add irregular strokes around the leaves and branches using green.

6 Begin to draw the first two flowers with light pink, giving them a soft, round shape, and then adding details in darker pink or magenta.

Tip

You can use any tones you like for the flowers; choose whatever resonates with you in that moment.

7 Draw the last flower on the right with simple, irregular, close strokes to create a rounded, imprecise effect.

8 Add details with another color, as well as more strokes on the ground.

9 Refine the composition using more green and some touches of black to create contrast and character.

The Harmony of Nature

Imagine the harmonious laws of nature and how they reflect its beauty. When you draw this composition, think about your connection and relationship with nature, as well as your own surroundings.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Sakura Pigma brush pen

Tombow fudenosuke pen

1 Start with the first branch on the left in light green, using the brush or brush pen very gently to create a thin, delicate line.

2 Draw a long leaf, starting at the bottom and folding its shape down in the middle, keeping a curved line.

3 Add another long, thick leaf on the left, as well as a shorter, thin branch.

4 Add all of the other leaves and some irregular strokes on the base for the grass. Maintain the balance of the plant through the movement and fluidity of each element. Remember to release the brush slowly at the end to form the pointy leaves.

5 Draw a very thin, slightly curved branch from the top of one of the leaves.

6 Draw another shorter branch from the middle of the previous one (see step 5).

7 Continue drawing all the of the other branches in different directions and lengths, maintaining a delicate balance between all of them.

8 Start adding the flower buds using magenta or another color.

9 Add a few more open flowers on different branches. Alternate the direction they take to create a harmonious feeling and look.

10 Complete the composition by adding darker green and some touches of black for contrast and liveliness in the plant.

The Essence of a Rose

This project is inspired by my love for roses, and in particular, the purity and beauty of a white rose. It is a reflection on the fascinating world of flowers and the mandala visible in their structure.

When you draw this flower, do not think about its exact shape or characteristics. Rather, focus on the feelings this rose brings up and what it represents for you. This will help you create harmony and movement. I’ve done this piece with a Japanese brush pen, which feels similar to a normal Japanese brush.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Pentel Japanese brush pen

Sakura Pigma brush pens

1 Begin in the center of the flower and build up the petals.

2 Draw a few short, curved strokes around the center.

3 Continue to add curved strokes, moving outward to create the main shape of the rose, consisting of layers of petals.

4 Create leaves on the rose, applying more pressure on the brush pen or brush to approximate the thickness shown here.

5 Add two more leaves. Feel free to position them as you wish.

6 Continue adding downward-facing leaves.

7 Now, add two thick strokes for the stem.

8 Complete the rose by creating thin, irregular lines for the thorns.

9 Add green strokes to the leaves and stem.

10 Add a few strokes of pink if you wish, or leave the flower black as in step 9, if you prefer.

Natural Confidence

Let this project inspire you to find confidence in any aspect of your life, and to feel relaxed and mindful of your own capacities. You are capable of more than you can imagine. The elegance and posture of this bird are inspired by the paradise flycatcher.

When preparing to draw this bird, think about what you love and your dreams for the future, and focus on those things. You could look around you, remaining aware of your environment and perhaps finding a relaxed and calm place in which to draw, whether indoors or outdoors. Look at this bird and the pose, and see how they make you feel. Focus on that and draw with peace of mind.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Tombow fudenosuke pen

1 Start by drawing two short lines joining at the end to make a pointed bill.

2 Make the head by drawing a slightly curved line that joins on top with many short, irregular strokes for the top of the head, and then finish with a curve down the other side.

3 Close the shape with a delicate, round line, and start to fill the space with black.

4 Complete the head with a small eye and add black ink all around it to fill the space. As you apply the black ink, try to relax your hand into the movement of filling the space. Notice how you feel.

5 Add a gentle, curved stroke down from the head as part of the body.

6 From the same point, add the first wing using gentle movements and seeing the lines moving upward as feathers. This contrast of lines that start thicker and bolder and grow thinner may give you a specific feeling—be aware of that.

7 With the same gentle movement, create the other wing. Add contrast with darker lines between the wings and focus on the light and dark effect.

8 Draw two lightly distant lines down from the body to start working on the long tail.

9 Keep breathing and move your hand to create a long line down, with a flick at the end. It is not important to be perfect, but if you breathe and relax, the experience and feeling of drawing a long stroke will feel more natural and fluid.

10 Following the same approach, draw the other part of the tail to join the two sides. This will give you a sense of completeness.

11 Now that the bird is complete, add the main branch consisting of two lines, but keep a certain distance to give the effect of thickness. Try to draw the lines in one movement to create a fluid effect.

12 Finally, add a couple of small branches and some more details if you like.

Joy

This project is inspired by a photo of birds that captured my attention. It is a celebration of nature, movement, and joy in life.

When you draw this bird on a branch, focus on the title of the project to understand that it is all about expressing the movement and action of flying. I’ve created this piece with a Japanese calligraphy pen, which has a similar feel to a normal Japanese brush.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight paper

Japanese calligraphy pen

1 Start by drawing two lines for the head and one long, curved line for the wing.

2 Draw some quick strokes to create the feathers and a short line to elongate the body.

3 Continue to create the tail, and add two thin strokes for the legs. Apply more pressure in the tail and less in the legs.

4 Add two long strokes that resemble a branch.

5 Add shorter strokes around the branch. Do not be too precise or it will look unrealistic. You are trying to capture nature and the feeling of it on paper.

6 Add the berries by creating very quick, small circles. Leave some circles a little open to express movement.

7 Add more black strokes on the tail, head, and feathers.

8 Begin adding color with orange on the chest and most of the body, as well as light blue to create a lighter effect in certain areas.

9 Add red over the orange and on the berries by tapping a brush pen with irregular, short strokes—something between a dot and a line.

10 Complete the piece by adding brown to the branches. If you prefer, you could also choose to leave the branch black with texture that resembles a tree trunk. Use your imagination!

Delicate Movement

This project evokes action in nature and stillness turned into movement by the flight of this incredible, delicate birth. Think about the feeling and appearance of action in nature, and reflect on the strength and delicacy expressed simultaneously through brush pens.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Canson heavyweight cartridge paper

Pentel Japanese brush pen

1 Start by drawing four thin strokes, all going in different directions, and then add a long, thin leaf attached to one of the small stems.

2 Add the tops of the two flowers from two of the other longer strokes. Create quick and short lines with a free style.

3 Continue to draw the rest of the flowers by adding short and round strokes, first creating the external shapes, and then adding shorter strokes inside to represent various petals. Finish by adding three long, thin lines for the pistils.

4 Draw the bill and part of the head of the bird, starting from the center of the flower on the left.

5 Continue from the line of the head to create the body of the bird, and add wings with long, thin, irregular strokes, very close together.

6 Complete the body by creating a pointy tail. Add some texture with short, rounded strokes done with the tip of the brush.

7 Add color starting with the flowers. Use any colors that inspire or resonate with you. This image is just an example of colors you might use.

8 Complete the image by adding more colors to the bird. Apply more black to add texture and contrast.

About the Author

Born in Italy and living in the United Kingdom, Monika Cilmi is a professional artist, an author, and a creative coach with a strong spiritual connection to Japan and its philosophy. She has a degree in visual arts, a certificate in Japanese and Korean art, and a Master’s degree in fine art. She has exhibited her work internationally and has collaborated with a dance company in Mexico, where she worked with Zen brushwork in an interactive installation.

Monika is active in her local community. She has been interviewed on various occasions and was recently a special guest at a local radio show and on BBC Radio Suffolk.

She is inspired by nature and the body/mind relationship, and her work expresses the harmony between logical research, personal feelings, and instinctive actions. Paper has always been her passion and it is a crucial part of her research.

www.monikacilmi.co.uk

Dedication

Dedication

To my beautiful friend and an amazing dancer, Dora, who always loved movement and harmony and impacted this world with her special heart. The mindful drawing of birds reminds me of her approach to life, and I also know Dora loved them. You won’t ever be forgotten. I love you.

Copyright

© 2021 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

Artwork and text © 2021 Monika Cilmi

First published in 2021 by Walter Foster Publishing, an imprint of The Quarto Group.

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

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ISBN: 978-1-60058-926-3

Digital edition published in 2021

eISBN: 978-1-60058-927-0

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