Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy
A course by Thomas LamChinese Calligrapher
A course by Thomas Lam, Chinese Calligrapher
Learn how to write Chinese characters through artistic practices and brush stroke techniques
Calligraphy combines the literary component of text with the visual elements of art. To enjoy the ancient art, real knowledge of the language is not necessary since the process of creating calligraphy artwork is a time for reflection and meditation. Join calligrapher Thomas Lam as he teaches you how to write Chinese characters through traditional techniques.
Discover the centuries old practice of Chinese calligraphy and uncover the secrets of the language by writing it with ink and a brush. Use rice paper and your favorite Chinese poem to develop your own unique piece of calligraphic art.
What will you learn in this online course?
19 lessons & 15 downloads
Brief Introduction of Chinese Calligraphy
8 minutes, 21 seconds
Materials
12 minutes, 49 seconds
Dot, Horizontal and Vertical Strokes 1
14 minutes, 6 seconds
Dot, Horizontal and Vertical Strokes 2
7 minutes, 49 seconds
Left Falling and Press Down Strokes
9 minutes, 34 seconds
Hooks
9 minutes, 31 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin by getting to know Thomas. He shares his journey as a calligraphy artist, and shows you some of his work. Hear about the calligraphers that inspire him and get an overview of the different Chinese calligraphy scripts.
Go through the different brushes needed and get recommendations on which ink and paper to use. Practice the correct form for holding your brush and learn the basic components of Chinese characters. Thomas guides you through the brush stroke techniques used to paint each element.
Discover the different structures that compose Chinese calligraphy. Start with the basic open structure and single component characters. Then move on to top-bottom and left-right structures with the help of a grid. Learn how to practice correct stroke order and keep characters proportionate.
After grasping the technique, explore the composition of more complex Chinese characters. Thomas shows you how to create enclosed structures, which are commonly used characters. Then, explore how to combine the different structures learned in the course to create more detailed characters.
Learn how to set up rice paper to create calligraphy artwork. See how to align, fold, and trim your paper before writing a Chinese poem. Thomas provides you with a famous poem from the Tang Dynasty, but you are free to use the poem of your choice. To conclude the course, Thomas shares some tips on photographing and sharing your artwork.
What is this course's project?
Write a Chinese poem with the calligraphy techniques taught throughout the course.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone interested in learning Chinese calligraphy.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience is required.
To take this course, you need brushes, ink, paper, an ink dish, a writing pad, a wash cloth, and a wooden rack for the brushes.
Reviews
- 3 months ago
Very nice course and very useful, I love it!
- 4 months ago
O curso é muito bem estruturado, com didática clara e uma metodologia que realmente conduz ao resultado. O professor transmite não só a técnica, mas também a lógica e a sensibilidade da caligrafia chinesa. O material adicional é valioso e complementa bem o aprendizado.
Por outro lado, a tradução para o português na plataforma deixa a desejar. No geral, o conteúdo e o professor são excelentes, mas a qualidade da tradução poderia acompanhar melhor o nível do curso.
- 6 months ago
Curso muito bom. A tradução para o portugues deixa a desejar quando vai falar como se pronuncia em chines. Deveria deixar a pronuncia em chines soar corretamente. As vezes até expressoes em portugues soam estranhas e fora de contexto. Seguir a estrutura apresentada certamente contribuiurá para o resultado final. O mateerial adicional é muito valioso. Parabens!
- 9 months ago
It's a great course, the explanations are very clear, the video is edited very well. Would definitely recommend.
- 10 months ago
AMAZING! The teacher was super clear and detailed, unlike most of the courses here. Really a great experience!
For over a decade, he has been sharing his work online and with calligraphy students in the UK and Hong Kong. He is currently developing a learning system for lovers of calligraphy and Chinese culture.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- Brief Introduction of Chinese Calligraphy
- U2
Materials and Basic Strokes
- Materials
- Dot, Horizontal and Vertical Strokes 1
- Dot, Horizontal and Vertical Strokes 2
- Left Falling and Press Down Strokes
- Hooks
- Turning Strokes
- U3
Chinese Characters with Open Structure
- Stroke Order
- Simple Structure Characters
- Top-Bottom Structure Characters
- Left-Right Structure Characters
- U4
Chinese Characters with Enclosed Structure
- Enclosed Structures with Two Sides
- Enclosed Structures with Three Sides
- Completely Enclosed Structures
- Combined Structure
- U5
How to Build Your Calligraphy Portfolio
- How to Create a Chinese Calligraphy Artwork
- How to Take a Photo for Your Artwork
- FP
Final project
- Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers fundamental techniques, tools, and script styles, making it accessible even if you have no prior experience in Chinese calligraphy.
You will need a calligraphy brush, ink stick or bottled ink, suitable paper (such as rice paper), and a water writing pad. The course covers how to select and prepare each tool.
You’ll learn the basics of Kai Shu (regular script), stroke order, brush techniques, character structure, and how to create custom calligraphy artwork, as well as comparisons of traditional and modern styles.
Yes, the course covers both traditional scripts like Kai Shu and Xing Shu, as well as modern applications such as graphic design and movie poster calligraphy.
The course explains the differences between brush types, ink preparation, and choosing the right paper, guiding you on selecting materials suitable for both beginners and advanced practice.
Yes, you’ll practice the structure, stroke order, and techniques specific to Kai Shu, helping you build balanced and legible Chinese characters from scratch.
Yes, the course includes modules on watercolour calligraphy, blending traditional brushwork with modern color techniques for unique artistic effects.