Teacher: You only need a willingness to learn

Published 10:49 am Thursday, January 9, 2014

KISON-web

With confident strokes of a brush and complete concentration, Kison Ryu creates a masterpiece.

It was some two years ago that Ryu, who is the plant manager at United Douglas Pharm, took up Korean painting and now he wants to share what he’s learned with locals.

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Through the LBW Community College-Luverne Center’s continuing education program, Ryu will teach a 10-week class on Korean traditional painting, at the school.

Ryu said those interested in learning only need to be willing to learn.

“It’s fast-paced painting,” he said, noting that some painting can take as little as a few minutes to complete.

Ryu studied under master Korean ink wash instructor Hak Hee Baek in the Capital City.

Ryu said one thing about this type of ink-based painting is that one can’t erase mistakes.

“You have to throw it away,” he said. “It requires a lot of concentration, so you don’t mess up.”

Ryu has conducted several presentations throughout town and has had his worked featured at AUM and at the Luverne Public Library.

“I want to be able to educate people on Korean paintings,” he said. “It’s good for everyone to understand what Korean culture is like.”

Ryu said anyone can learn to paint in this style.

“You just mainly have to be interested,” he said. “The skills are easy to acquire, if you practice. There’s a big emphasis on willing. You just have to have a lot of devotion and plenty of paper.”

The class is scheduled to meet on Tuesdays, from Jan. 14, through March 18, with classes running from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

The class is open to anyone interested in learning how to paint.

No book is required for the course, but students will need the following supplies: brush, rice paper, black ink and color inks.

The materials may be purchased from an art supply store or from the instructor for $70.

The cost for the course is $80 per participant.

Space is limited, and one may register Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Fridays, from 8 a.m. until noon.

For more info, call 335-2187 ext. 7095 or 7094.