SUMI-E ARCHIVE
William Preston came to be considered a master sumi painter, locally as well as nationally. His works are prized by aficionados of the form and he was a sought-after teacher, known by his by-line, Southwest Sumi Painter. He brought the sumi painting technique and his mastery of the brush to his 15-year oil painter’s experience with the Southwest —its wide open landscape, and flora and fauna.
The sumi-e of the two fish, Love at First Sight, is representative of Oriental ink and brush on rice paper. The balance of ink and water in the brush creates the tonality of the image, while the absorbency of the paper demands immediacy and decisiveness — no hesitation, instinctual command. This approach creates the poetic moment of masterful sumi-e.
CLICK SUMI_E IN THE NAVIGATION ABOVE to access the grid of available paintings with titles, sizes and prices. Click on the image of interest itself for information. All work shown is sealed with his chop; work completed but unsigned because of William’s illness was sealed after being mounted after he died - some of it is signed, some not.