Upcoming Classes
Want to learn how to paint like a professional Sumi-e Asian Brush Painter? Or do you just want to brush up on your skills? This upcoming class is suitable for all levels of Sumi-e painters.
ZOOM Classes with Mary McMillen!
Sundays, August 9, 16, 23, & 30 2026 from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
(4 lessons taught via Zoom)
Participants will receive a recording of each class in case one has been missed.
Contact Mary McMillen to participate
Subjects will be suitable for Autumn Light Exhibition
Instructors & Education
Mike Lane
Mike teaches Asian ink and watercolor painting for multi-levels of painters. He is often seen leading demonstrations at Blue Heron art exhibitions and other Blue Heron events. Mike is also available for private classes, workshops and artist vision mentoring.
Click on this YouTube link to see an interview with Mike about his sumi-e journey.
CONTACT: haoyisi2@gmail.com
Artist Website: thresholdart.com​
See some of Mike's work on his Blue Heron Gallery
Joe Nicholas
Joe believes that to achieve effective artistic expression in brush painting, requires a sound foundation in brush handling. Consequently, Joe's focus is on brush technique, including control of moisture and ink and/or color.
Joe teaches in Blue Heron Internal Workshops and in meeting demonstrations.
CONTACT: joenjean2@cox.net​​
See some of Joe's work on his Blue Heron Gallery
Norene Spencer
Norene teaches traditional style sumi-e techniques with an emphasis on the theory that less is more. Beginner to Intermediate levels. Norene teaches in Internal Workshops and demonstrates in Blue Heron meetings. Norene teaches Sumi-e regularly at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
CONTACT: nsspencer1@gmail.com​​
See some of Norene's work on her Blue Heron Gallery
Mary McMillen
Mary has studied and trained in traditional brush stroke painting, as seen in ancient Asian cultures. She believes that art is more than just technique, but an expression of one's inner reflection of life. She is passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge with others. She is experienced at teaching both online and face-to-face and with Zoom students from many states.
CONTACT: mary_mcmillen@yahoo.com​​
See some of Mary's work on her Blue Heron Gallery​
Ahrung Soonja Woo Cho
Ahrung “Soonja” Woo Cho has been an instructor of Sumi-e for many years. She says that a painting is more than the
play of creating it. It is a feast that the eyes do not tire of seeing and that quickens the mind. This is not the result of the
method or the technique of its creation, but of the profound meaning it reveals to us and of the message it
communicates. It is the light that comes when the artist strives to approach the divine. Soonja is convinced that it is the
artist’s calling to show that light to mankind.
Soonja teaches in classroom and privately. She teaches several classes per year at Virginia Beach Art Center. She also
teaches Internal Workshops for Blue Heron.
CONTACT: ahrung.cho@gmail.com​​
See some of Soonja's work on her Blue Heron Gallery​
Opportunities to Learn
Classes on beginning, intermediate and advanced sumi-e painting are offered by the Blue Heron Chapter through various resources.
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Demonstrations: Every monthly Blue Heron Chapter meeting includes an artist demonstration. Meetings are open to the public. See meeting schedule in Latest News.
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Internal Workshops: Workshops are taught by local instructors and are held at various meeting places in Hampton Roads. They last approximately 2 hours and require that the participants bring their own supplies and be active members of Blue Heron Chapter. A modest fee is charged for these workshops. Internal Workshop Chair, Cathy Peyton can be reached at blueheronchapter@gmail.com
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External Workshops: Workshops are taught by nationally recognized professional Sumi-e Artists brought in to teach Chapter members. The Chapter offers such workshops two to three times per year. These workshops can be single-day or two-day workshops and require that the participants bring their own supplies and be active members of Blue Heron Chapter. Fees charged for these workshops are competitively priced and vary per artist. External Workshop Chair, Penny Pickel can be reached at blueheronchapter@gmail.com
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Sumi-e Studio: Titustown Visual Arts Center offers two 3-hour studio sessions each Wednesday when classes are in session. Share space and inspiration with other Sumi-e artists at every level of practice, new, intermediate and experienced. Participants have access to an extensive library of learning resources during studio time. They bring their own supplies and must be comfortable working without an instructor. Students pay a studio fee per session.
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Beginner and intermediate classes are offered periodically by Norfolk Botanical Gardens and Virginia Beach Art Center.
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Zoom classes offered by Mary McMillen. Contact her for more details. Mary_McMillen@yahoo.com
Learning Videos on DVD are available to check out from the Blue Heron Chapter. Contact Kathryn Bush at the Blue Heron email to check out DVDs.
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