Chinese Calligraphy: Core Strokes and Techniques for Beginners
Course Description
Summary
Traditional Chinese calligraphy is an ancient art form that uses brush and ink to write Chinese characters in a refined and expressive style. It embodies visual beauty, rhythm, and emotion, reflecting the writer’s personality, philosophy, and cultural sensibility. Calligraphy is also valued as a form of meditation and art therapy, fostering focus and inner calm.This course places a strong emphasis on learning the basic strokes and essential techniques of calligraphy. Mastering the eight fundamental strokes—such as the horizontal stroke, vertical stroke, and dot—requires patience and precision, and provides the foundation for writing thousands of standard Chinese characters with confidence and grace. Students will begin with systematic practice of these core strokes and study exemplary works by master calligraphers to develop both technical proficiency and an informed understanding of the cultural, historical, and contemporary contexts of this art form.
The course will be conducted in English.
Students are not permitted to retake this course once completed.
Learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate foundational brush techniques and accurately execute the eight basic strokes of Chinese calligraphy.
--They will understand and apply proper stroke order to write standard Chinese characters with balance and aesthetic awareness.
--Students will analyze and appreciate the works of master calligraphers, recognizing their technical styles and cultural significance.
--They will explain the historical, philosophical, and artistic contexts of traditional Chinese calligraphy.
--Through the meditative practice of brushwork, students will develop greater focus and mindfulness.
--They will create original calligraphic compositions that reflect both technical proficiency and personal expression.