Basic Strokes - Famous Calligrapher's Steel Pen Running Script Step-by-Step Tutor

Author: Ren Ping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Running script is a style that largely reflects the calligrapher's temperament, combining practicality with artistry. The differences in the calligrapher's interests, cultivation, and the fashion of their era result in diverse and varied changes in strokes, shapes, and styles. The dots in running script differ from those in regular script, which must adhere to strict rules. The strokes of hard-tip running script may also exhibit various special forms due to the different characteristics of the hard-tip itself. Beginners are often bewildered by the myriad and complex strokes of running script, unsure of how to proceed, and some may even stray into incorrect methods. A prominent feature of running script's brushwork is the abundance of hairlines and reflections. Hairlines refer to thin lines that emerge naturally between strokes, creating a sense of mutual response between them. Sometimes, scattered dots are connected by hairlines, making the characters appear dense. Reflections refer to the addition of hooks or curls at the ends of strokes, creating a response between upper and lower strokes, where the brush may appear to break but the intent remains connected. It can be seen as a broken hairline. The brushwork of running script is simpler than that of regular script. Unlike regular script, which clearly depicts every dot and stroke, running script simplifies them appropriately, omitting certain strokes such as hooks or curls, merging or substituting some strokes, or even adopting some cursive script techniques. Running script rarely uses sharp, angular turns; instead, it employs smooth, flowing, and round brushwork. The sharp turns of regular script are often written as smooth transitions in running script, where the (turn) is implied within the (round), achieving a harmonious blend of both sharp and round. This book is a step-by-step tutorial on running script by renowned calligraphers using steel pens. It follows the rules of calligraphy, is reasonably organized for rapid improvement, and includes both demonstrations and practice exercises, making it convenient for practice.