Beginner's guide to learning Chinese calligraphy

1. Prepare the tools

Learning calligraphy requires the following tools:

Brushes: Brushes are the most important tools in calligraphy, and there are different types and sizes. Beginners can choose a medium-sized wolf hair brush.

Ink: Ink is the ink used in calligraphy. Beginners can choose black or light ink, depending on their preference

Xuan paper: Xuan paper is a special paper used for calligraphy. It has good absorbency and is not easy to see through.

Inkstone: An inkstone is used to grind ink. Beginners can choose a ceramic or stone inkstone

2. Learn the basic strokes

The strokes of calligraphy are the foundation of Chinese characters, so beginners must first learn the strokes of the characters. Basic strokes include horizontal, vertical, left-slanting, right-slanting, dot, hook, and angle.

When learning the basic strokes, you should pay attention to the following aspects:

Stroke thickness: The thickness of the strokes should be determined according to the structure of the character and the requirements of the style.
Stroke length: The length of the strokes should be determined according to the size of the character and the requirements of the style.
Stroke direction: The direction of the strokes should be determined according to the structure of the character and the requirements of the style.
Stroke strength: The strength of the strokes should be determined according to the thickness, length, and direction of the strokes.
3. Copy the works of famous calligraphers

Copying the works of famous calligraphers is one of the most effective methods for learning calligraphy. Beginners can choose the works of calligraphers they like to copy. When copying, pay attention to the following aspects:

Choose suitable works: Beginners should choose works with relatively regular strokes and relatively simple structures for copying.
Observe the works carefully: Before copying, carefully observe the brushwork, structure, and layout of the works.
Copy stroke by stroke: When copying, do it stroke by stroke, and don't rush to finish.
Copy several times: When copying, you need to copy several times to master the brushwork and structure.
4. Practice more

Calligraphy is an art that requires long-term practice. Beginners must practice every day to gradually improve their calligraphy skills. When practicing, pay attention to the following aspects:

Keep a correct posture: When practicing calligraphy, keep a correct posture, including sitting posture and holding the brush posture.
Pay attention to the brushwork: When practicing calligraphy, pay attention to the brushwork, including lifting, pressing, and cutting.
Pay attention to aesthetic requirements: When practicing calligraphy, pay attention to aesthetic requirements, including character shape, character style, and character meaning.
5. Other suggestions

Choose a suitable style: Regular script is the preferred style for beginners because its strokes are regular and relatively easy to learn. If possible, you can learn from a professional calligraphy teacher. The teacher can give you the correct guidance and help you improve your calligraphy skills.
See more calligraphy works: Seeing more calligraphy works can help you improve your aesthetic standards and learn new techniques from them.