What is Chigirie?

Scroll Down to Read More about Painting with Paper

“The Bluebird,” Chigirie by Joan Mead-Matsui Imagine creating art that looks like a painting without using paint. The bluebird and hydrangea images shown on this page are a perfect example of how you can use torn paper to create beautiful art by literally, painting with paper. That’s one of the reasons I fell in love with Chigirie. Handmade paper is the key to this centuries-old Japanese art form that is often mistaken for a watercolor painting.

 

The Chigirie technique is said to date as far back as the Japanese Heian period by calligraphers who often used it to accompany their decorative handwriting. They readily used the style to embellish home décor, their calligraphy, and other traditional arts and crafts. The key to Chigirie is the same as most Japanese art forms – a simplicity and harmony with nature. However, this does not mean Japanese art lacks depth or is simple. To the contrary, but suffice to say, understanding the key elements in this art form and the role nature plays in Japanese arts, culture, design, undoubtedly will help an artist progress.

Chigirie takes time and patience in the same way most, if not all, art involves a learning curve that is based on patience and practice. You won’t improve your skill without taking the time to explore paper and develop your own style. At chigirie.com, I emphasize the importance of developing your artist within. While an art background will help you to understand the color wheel and perspective, paper collage is in a class by itself as you learn how to layer to create a watercolor-like design.

 

Chigirie by Joan Mead-Matsui
Try your hand at Chigirie and learn to create  paper collages like this hydrangea I made.

 

Allow me to guide you through the process as you learn to plan your design, choose your paper and seamlessly apply it to the decorative surface of your choice. I’m sure you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store when you see the abundance of paper available in today’s marketplace.

Chigirie by Joan Mead-Matsui

Take the time to visit my gallery and notice how each piece is a one-of-a-kind handmade work of art that contains hundreds of pieces of hand-dyed paper. Some artists color the paper using a variety of painting techniques but I rely solely on the color and texture to create backgrounds and fine details like architectural elements or flower petals.

Register for a Six-Week Session Today!

Do you want to learn Chigirie? You’ll find my classes offer the personalized support and guidance that will spark your creativity to new heights all while in the comfort of your home. Create at your own pace with full artistic support for as long as you are a student at chigirie.com.

Students who register for my six-week sessions have 24/7 access to my private group and the additional videos I create in my private learning resources center.

Learn Chigirie here at chigirie.com.

Sign up today for a private or semi-private lesson!

Visit this page to learn additional tips.