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 and emotion, reflecting the writer’s personality, philosophy, and cultural sensibility.

This course is designed not only as an introduction to calligraphy, but also as a space for relaxation and stress relief. Through the slow, mindful practice of brushwork, students are encouraged to step away from daily pressures, cultivate focus, and experience a sense of inner calm. Calligraphy will be approached as a form of meditation and art therapy, helping to reduce anxiety and restore balance.

The course places a strong emphasis on learning the basic strokes and essential techniques of calligraphy. Mastering the basic 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. All materials, including brushes, ink sticks, ink stones, and rice paper, will be provided free of charge. Students who have previously taken this course are welcome to enroll again.