Building a Foundation: From Seal to Clerical Script is the Phase one of Chinese Calligraphy journey includes 10 lessons designed specifically for beginners. It is a beautiful journey into the world of intricate strokes and elegant scripts.
When it comes to seal script strokes, beginners will find that mastering flat and consistent lines is key. Using a soft brush can be intimidating at first, but with practice, you’ll find your hands becoming steadier and your movements smoother. Sun Guoting, a calligrapher from the Tang Dynasty, aptly described seal script as graceful and coherent, emphasizing the importance of quality basic strokes.
Transitioning from seal script to clerical script marks a fascinating evolution in calligraphy. The clerical script’s “goose tail” stroke, reminiscent of a goose’s belly to tail shape, showcases the elegance and charm of this script style. The beauty of a horizontal stroke as vast as a thousand-li cloud array captures the essence of Han Dynasty aesthetics, with its graceful curves and simple yet elegant appearance.
Exploring the art of calligraphy not only refines your writing skills but also immerses you in the rich history and aesthetics of ancient scripts. Embrace the journey of learning Chinese calligraphy, where each stroke tells a story and each curve holds a piece of history.
Lesson 1 一笔圆通厚的中锋
Write a bold “Round and Thick” central line, marking the beginning of this writing journey. Building upon this central line, we gradually accumulate our skills, creating endless wonders and possibilities on paper. Grab your brush, watch the instructional video, and give a try to complete a full central line.
唐代的书法家孙过庭在《书谱》里说，“篆尚婉而通” ，篆书的线条通畅厚实，曲线婉转优美，练习篆书是对基础的点画质量最好的训练。写出一笔“圆通厚”的中锋线条，是写字这趟旅程的起点。在中锋的基础上，我们逐步學習不同的線條技巧。
