Welcome to my online courses

I've converted my workshops into online learning. The painting process is broken down into easy-to-follow videos where you can pause, go practice, and watch again.

  • Online Access

    Unlimited online access of course content for enrolled students for two years.

  • Live Q&A

    Virtual meeting via Zoom to answer questions for students with active course enrollment.

  • Artwork Critique

    Up to 3 pieces of artwork per course for students with active course enrollment.

Meet Joan

Joan Lok

I have been teaching sumi-e workshops for over 30 years. My art is a fusion of old and new, east and west, and the balancing play of yin and yang (positive and negative forces) to link Asian tradition to an adventurous, modern viewpoint. I am excited to share my favorite way of using expressive brushwork with you. Joan served as the President of the Sumi-e Society of America for 10 years, and taught Asian American Arts at the University of Maryland. Her book "Chinese Brush Painting: Flowers" is a best-seller in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Dutch. Joan has received awards from art competitions in the United States, Canada, and Japan. She resides in Florida, USA.

FAQ

  • What tools will I need?

    All courses include a downloadable supply list. If you practice sumi-e or watercolor, you'll likely have all or most of the supplies.

  • When and how often can I access the course?

    Once you enroll, you can access all the lessons as often as you want for two years.

  • What's the best way to learn with the course?

    Practicing along is the key to learn. I recommend gathering your supplies after seeing the supply list. Watch the videos in the order of the chapters. When a video stops, work on your artwork following the steps I just described for as long as you want. Go back to the course when you are ready. Re-watch any lessons you like. Take the course as if you are attending an in-person workshop with me. We have lots of time to practice. You will understand the technique more with frequent practices than just by watching the whole course from start to finish in one seating.

  • When is the monthly chat for enrolled students?

    It is currently on the second Saturday every one or two months at 2 pm (U.S. eastern time zone) for 40 minutes via Zoom. I will email all enrolled students a week before with the link, meeting ID and Passcode. New students will be invited as well. Private/customized live chat can be arranged with a group of students as long as every attendee is individually enrolled.

  • Do you offer private or group workshops?

    I offer private or group workshops in-person and via virtual meetings. Please email me.

  • How do I enroll? How do I sign-in again?

    Click on any "Get started today" buttons . You will create an account with your email and add a password. You pay online with a credit card. The Thank you/Confirmation email will give you a link to the course to start right away. You can stop at any time. When you want to start again, go to joanlok.com and click on Online Workshop. Sign-in on the top menu with your email and password. The system will remember where you stopped and will ask if you would like to continue where you left off, or start elsewhere. It is that smart. If you enroll in multiple courses, when you login, you can pick which course you want to work on.

  • Can I share my log-in?

    ABSOLUTELY NOT! I aim to keep the online workshop affordable, especially now when we practice social-distancing. Login-sharing is prohibited to sustain the high maintenance cost of the online system. I reserve the right to un-enroll individuals without refund for usage abuse, and will pursue all damages and loss revenue the action may have caused.