Category: Calligraphy
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Why you should focus on the direction your brush pen faces
In previous posts, I gave overviews of how to hold the brush pen and the angle at which you should hold it. I explained that the key to writing with the brush pen is to focus on the angle of pen to the page, and that you shouldn’t hold the pen upright. But I didn’t tell you the full story.…
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The reason you should focus on the thin stroke, but not the hairline
Over the past few weeks, you have seen the importance of holding the pen at an angle and practicing how to exert pressure to achieve those thin strokes in brush calligraphy. But you might still struggle with the fact that your thin strokes do not exactly resemble a hairline. In fact, you may be complaining that…
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Can lefties do calligraphy? (Plus 7 things you should know as a left-handed calligrapher)
Part 1: Meet the lefties | Part 2: Best grips for lefties | Part 3: Best tools for lefties | Part 4: 7 Tips for Lefties ~ ~ ~ You have met my lefty calligrapher friends. You heard their recommendations on how to grip your pen and the best calligraphy tools for left-handers. But can lefties really do calligraphy? The short answer, YES!!!…
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Best tools for left-handed calligraphers
Part 1: Meet the lefties | Part 2: Best grips for lefties | Part 3: Best tools for lefties | Part 4: 7 tips for left-handed calligraphers Now that you have met my lefty calligrapher friends and heard about their best recommendations on how to grip your pen, let’s learn about their favorite calligraphy tools! While this post shares…
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Best grips for left-handed calligraphers
Part 1: Meet the lefties | Part 2: Best grips for lefties | Part 3: Best tools for lefties | Part 4: 7 tips for left-handed calligraphers ~ ~ ~ We certainly live in a right-handed world. In general, only 10% of the world population is left-handed! While I am right-handed myself, many of you have requested tips for lefties.…
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Tips for lefties: Advice from five left-handed calligraphers
Part 1: Meet the lefties | Part 2: Best grips for lefties | Part 3: Best tools for lefties | Part 4: 7 tips for left-handed calligraphers ~ ~ ~ Hello, my left-handed calligraphers! Your voices have been heard. I have tapped into the creative brains of five fellow left-handed calligraphers to bring you their best tips, advice, and recommendations…
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How to apply pressure when creating brush calligraphy
When it comes to brush calligraphy, it’s important to really understand what is meant by “pressure.” Many tutorials and tips (mine included) emphasize the use of varying amounts of pressure, but what exactly is pressure? How do you create it? How do you control it? Can you apply the wrong pressure?
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My favorite paper to use for brush calligraphy
What is the best paper to use for brush calligraphy? In this post, I discuss my favorite types of paper to use and include links for you to see the paper being used (“action” shots). When using brush pens, I find it best to use paper that is smooth and non-textured. Paper that is rough…
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How to hold your brush pen at an angle
I’ve written about brush calligraphy being defined by its distinct thin and thick strokes. I’ve shared my favorite brush pens and how they work to create brush calligraphy. But some of you are still wondering, how does it really work? What is involved with this process of creating brush calligraphy? How do you get the words from pen to…
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Tips for improving your brush calligraphy: Thin and thick stroke drills
I get it. You see calligraphy everywhere. There are amazing, talented artists and they seem to just write with ease. You wonder how on earth you will get there. Despite any artistic abilities, you must practice in order to improve. And not just any practice. But a deliberate practice. How can you deliberately practice? You can break…