Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy & Painting (English)

This art syllabus serves as an introductory guide to Chinese Calligraphy and Painting, providing a comprehensive overview of Oriental Ink Art. The syllabus covers essential techniques, presenting numerous examples of painting and calligraphy while referencing reliable ancient classics. It highlights the shared origins of Chinese calligraphy and painting, deeply rooted in China’s ancient traditions and cultural heritage.

The document is structured into two main parts: Calligraphy and Painting.

Calligraphy Section

1. Introduction to Calligraphy: Discusses the significance of calligraphy and its historical development.
2. Study of Writing Techniques: Explores the proper techniques for holding a brush, various hand and wrist gestures, and detailed descriptions of different brush strokes.
3. Character Structure Breakdown: Analyzes the structure of Chinese characters, emphasizing the importance of understanding stroke order and spatial arrangement.
4. Order of Calligraphy Learning: Provides a chronological chart for learning calligraphy, from large regular script to cursive script, based on historical methods.

Painting Section

1. Introduction to Painting: Covers the history of Chinese painting, its evolution, and its significance in Chinese culture.
2. Variations of Painting Subjects: Describes different painting subjects.
3. Types of Chinese Painting: Lists different mediums and techniques used in Chinese painting.
4. Principles of Chinese Painting: Introduces Xie He’s “Six Principles” of painting.
5. How to Use Brush Strokes in Painting: Explains the importance of brush strokes in creating dynamic styles and provides detailed descriptions of various brush techniques.
6. How to Use Ink in Painting: Discusses the different ways to use ink in painting.

Overall, this art syllabus offers a structured and detailed guide to the fundamentals of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Oriental Ink Art.