Basic brush calligraphy strokes: The compound curve

Welcome to Part 4 of my Basic Brush Calligraphy Strokes series!

So far, we have reviewed the:

• Entrance Stroke
• Underturn Stroke
• Overturn Stroke

Before you get started, be sure to familiarize yourself with these previous posts:

• Brush pens recommended for beginners
• Holding your brush pen properly
• Facing your brush pen in the right direction

If you are on Instagram, share your work by posting it with the hashtag, #pieces_basicstrokes.

Now, let’s talk about the compound curve!

What is the compound curve?

The compound curve is a combination of two strokes: the overturn stroke and the underturn stroke. The compound curve starts in the same fashion as the overturn stroke, but before the thick downstroke ends at the baseline with full pressure, it transitions into a thin stroke and ends in the same fashion as the underturn stroke.

Essentially, the compound curve consists of three lines, two hairlines and a thick stroke, and these three lines should be parallel.

How to create the compound curve

To create the compound curve, begin as you would the overturn stroke. Start at the baseline and begin making a thin upstroke, or “hairline,” using little to no pressure on your brush pen.

As you approach the waistline, create a curve toward the right that resembles an upside-down u-shape. Touch the waistline, and then begin making your way down toward the baseline. Up until this point, you are still creating a thin stroke.

Once you are drawing your stroke downwards toward the baseline, slowly transition from thin to thick. You will reach full pressure briefly – notice the thick stroke after the waistline.

But BEFORE you reach the baseline, transition back to a hairline and start curving the line. Touch the baseline, and then begin make your way back up, maintaining the thin stroke.

You may be shaky at first, or unfamiliar with how the stroke should feel as you create it. But as always, practice makes progress. I share practice drills at the end of this post for you to work on.

When to use the compound curve

The compound curve is used in the letters: h, m, n, v, x, and y.

Practice Drills

Do these practice drills to improve your compound curves.

Don’t worry about being perfect or creating strokes that are completely free of any shakiness. Shakiness is expected in the beginning! When you are still learning the brush pen and when you go slow (which you SHOULD), then shakiness is normal.

The key with the compound curve is to pay close attention to the transitions.

Try these practice drills. Focus on the position of your hand, your grip, your technique, and the forming of the stroke.

1. Compound curve: Fill a page with compound curves. Focus on the transitions and increasing your consistency . After each row of compound curves, review them and think about how you can improve for the next set.
2. Overturn stroke + compound curve: Practice connecting the overturn stroke with the compound curve. This combination forms the letter n! You can also combine two overturn strokes to practice the letter m.
3. Connecting compound curves: Connect compound curves to each other without any breaks in between. Go slow at first, but try to find a rhythm as you write. This rhythm will help you immensely as you begin to write more. Note: lift your pen completely off the page before starting the next stroke. The idea is to draw the strokes so they appear to be connected, but in actuality, you are creating each stroke individually.

If you mess up, keep going. Focus on the next stroke. Remember that you will only improve when you keep on practicing and experimenting and learning.

Video: The compound curve

Watch the video below to see a demonstration of the compound curve and practice drills you can start today!

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It’s your turn! Tell me in a comment below:

Have you tried the compound curve? How would you describe your experiences so far?

What is the hardest part about the compound curve for you?

Are you sharing your work on Instagram? Be sure to share by tagging #pieces_basicstrokes!

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Cheers,

 

 

 

 

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Supplies used in this post and video:

• Koi color brush pens from Paper and Ink Arts
• Rhodia dot pad from Amazon
• Rhodia reverse book from Amazon
• Arkon cellphone tripod from Amazon