Grateful for water Logged V2

Japanese Sumi-eSumi-e ArtChinese Brush PaintingAbstract Art
Written By Laura Beaton

I just learned my sumi-e (pronounced soo me ay) painting of Water Logged V2 won an award of Special Merit by the International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Paint Society (ICCPS) during the 2024 Tokyo Online Exhibition. Talk about a time zone difference! This was the same painting that won first place during the Sumi-e Artists of Canada 2024 exhibition. It is truly is exhilarating to know that I created a piece of art that has been so well received by jurors and the public alike.

The inspiration for this painting was the result of creating an abstract using acrylics on water colour paper (300 lb cold pressed), which I named Water Logged. One and half years later of studying the painting, I finally figured out how to paint something very similar but using asian inks. Japanese paint and Chinese inks are incredibly different in their use and movement versus acrylic paints.

Ultimately, inspiration struck and I arrived at Water Logged V2. I’ve added an image of Water Logged V1 at the end of the carousel. See the similarities?

The original painting measures 24”h x 36”w. I used Japanese paint, Chinese inks on washi (Japanese paper). It was then wet-mounted, and then affixed onto a gallery birch panel.

I am selling limited edition prints of Water Logged V2 so visit https://www.laurabeaton.com/printsforsalebylauraabeatonart for details.

Laura Beaton

I am a Toronto-born, international award-winning visual fine artist whose work fuses the traditions of Sumi-e, Chinese Brush Painting, and Western mixed media. Through my art, I explore and celebrate the differences and similarities among cultures—particularly Japanese, Chinese, and North American.

Though my roots are in Scottish bagpipes and English tea, a chance encounter with a Chinese brush painting on an antique tea wagon sparked a lifelong artistic journey. That early moment ignited a creative curiosity that led me to explore what it truly means to live, and create, in a multicultural society.

My art honours centuries-old techniques while looking to the future. I transform inks, rice papers, and layered textures into serene, imaginary worlds that are contemporary, yet grounded in tradition. Each piece whispers a quiet declaration: “I Am Canadian.”

Highlights of my career include:

• Election to both the Society of Canadian Artists and the Federation of Canadian Artists

• Multiple national and international awards, including Japan

• Serving as North American President for the International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society, representing artists from eight countries

• Exhibiting in China, with my work held in the permanent collection of the Chinese government

As a non-Asian artist mastering the philosophies and aesthetics of traditional Japanese and Chinese ink art while infusing Canadian narratives, I aim to reimagine tradition, transcend borders, and create space for new perspectives. My practice is a re-wilding of the social graces and an invitation to connect.

https://LauraBeaton.com
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ORIGINAL ART, LIMITED EDITIONS & GICLEES FOR SALE