Calligraphy is a unique traditional art of China. Chinese characters were created by the laboring people, initially as pictographs to record events. After thousands of years of development, they evolved into the writing system we have today. With the invention of the brush for writing, calligraphy emerged. It uses tools such as the brush, ink, and rice paper, with artistic principles based on the brushwork, ink technique, structure of the characters, and composition. Through different styles of writing such as seal script, clerical script, cursive script, regular script, and semi-cursive script, calligraphy showcases its unique charm. It embodies profound cultural meaning, records history and culture, reflects philosophical thought, and serves as a practice for self-cultivation. It is a priceless treasure of ancient art with rich Eastern flavor and artistic value, and has had a far-reaching influence on world cultural and artistic development.
Course Content
Seal Script (including Ancient Clerical Script and Modern Clerical Script)
• Explore the evolution process of Chinese characters and understand the principles of their origins.
• Explore the artistic features of the brushwork in Seal Script, especially the use of the tip.
• Study "Deng Shiru's Thousand Character Essay" in depth.
• Create calligraphy works using Seal Script that reflect personal ideas.
Clerical Script (including Ancient Clerical Script and Modern Clerical Script)
• Understand the stylistic characteristics of Clerical Script and related calligraphy knowledge.
• Explore the artistic features of Clerical Script, including the flat, square shapes and the left-right expansion of the characters.
• Engage in the study and imitation of classical Clerical Script steles and model books from various dynasties.
• Create calligraphy works using Clerical Script that reflect personal ideas.
Regular Script (including Wei Bei and Standard Regular Script)
• Learn the brush techniques of Regular Script, including strokes, pressure, and rhythm.
• Explore the structural characteristics of Regular Script, such as square forms and straight strokes.
• Engage in the study and imitation of classical Regular Script steles and model books from various dynasties.
• Create calligraphy works using Regular Script that reflect personal ideas.
Running Script (including Running Regular Script and Running Cursive Script)
• Learn the connected and flowing relationships in Running Script, as well as its smooth transitions.
• Explore the artistic features of Running Script, such as its uneven, yet natural and fluid style.
• Engage in the study and imitation of classical Running Script steles and model books from various dynasties.
• Create calligraphy works using Running Script that reflect personal ideas.
Cursive Script (including Zhang Cao, Jin Cao, and Kuang Cao)
• Understand the stylistic characteristics and common knowledge of cursive script calligraphy.
• Explore the artistic features of cursive script, such as the flowing and connected forms of characters and the simplification of brushstrokes.
• Engage in the study and imitation of classical Cursive Script steles and model books from various dynasties.
• Use cursive script to create calligraphy works with personal ideas and expression.
Enrollment Requirements
• Age 18 or older
• Open to beginners or those with experience
Types of Courses
Classes
Instructed by
