Space for mind, heart, and ink.
In this workshop, you will work with Sumi-E, the ancient Eastern brush technique where control, freedom, and expression meet. By focusing on posture, breathing, technique, and materials, you create space for inspiration and your own visual language. Calm and rhythm are central: structured instruction sessions each day, ample time to practice in silence, wandering through the floodplains of the Meuse, and moments for reflection.
Daily program
Day 1 – Foundation & rhythm
Morning: introduction to materials and posture, bamboo strokes (lines, pressure, technique);
Afternoon: discovering and recognizing your own inspiration. Engaging the senses and wandering through nature. Sketching in ink, developing work in the studio;
Evening: the Ensō (breathing, gesture, timing) – a core element of the Sumi-E tradition.
Day 2 – Visual language & deepening
Morning: plum blossom (composition, rhythm, technique);
Afternoon: Under intensive guidance, exploring your own visual language; personal feedback.
Instruction sessions: there are 2–3 blocks per day. You choose which ones to join; the time in between is for quiet work.
For anyone who wants to experience two inspiring days of Sumi-E and learn to work with the oriental brush technique in a looser, more powerful, and more precise way. From curious beginners to experienced painters or illustrators looking to deepen their practice.
Optional:
Day 3 – Masterclass (morning, during the Summer Studio on September 3rd)
Group meditation followed by the masterclass “The Way”, where expression, power, and abstraction converge. This morning is part of the Summer Studio. You only pay the regular Summer Studio daily rate for this. (See ‘Summer Studio’.)
Important
This workshop is not just about technique; it is about finding stillness and focus. Staying overnight makes a real difference. When you stay, you maintain your concentration and can dive straight back into your work at that same level the next day. If you go home, it takes time to rebuild that momentum once you return.
Overnight stay:
Unfortunately, all 3 rooms are booked. The willow hut is still available. Please get in touch if that would be a suitable alternative for you.
September 1 and 2, 2026
Optional: Masterclass on September 3
Day 1: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (includes a shared meal and evening session)
Day 2: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Masterclass: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
€295,-
Includes lunches and a group meal on the first day, followed by an evening session.
Note: small group, limited spots available.
Do I need experience to participate in a course or workshop?
Not at all, you don't need any experience.
Is it easy to park at Atelier De Heerlijkheid?
Certainly, there is plenty of parking available at Driekoningenplein and next to the cemetery. We do ask that you park your car in a designated space, angled along the cemetery wall, to ensure there is room for other vehicles. Additionally, please make sure that wherever you park, wide agricultural vehicles can always pass through easily.
If you live nearby, it’s even better to come by bike. You can park it safely in our yard.
Can I share any dietary requirements or allergies?
Yes, you can let us know about any dietary requirements or allergies in advance, and we will see what we can do. We serve vegetarian food by default.
Is Atelier De Heerlijkheid accessible by public transport?
Yes, it is. Line 250 departs from the central station in 's-Hertogenbosch and this local bus stops right at our doorstep. The schedule is limited, and the local bus does not run on Sundays.
Line 5 also departs from the central station and stops at the Beeckendael stop in Engelen. From there, it is a fifteen-minute walk to De Heerlijkheid.
Can I stay overnight?
Absolutely. We have 3 B&B rooms available for rent in combination with a workshop. Through Erfgoed Logies and Vipio we also offer rentals outside of workshop hours.
