Su Shi writes with a single hook of thumb, forefinger and middle finger, that is, the so-called stirrup method, which is similar to the current posture of writing pen characters. This unique pen-holding posture makes stippling thick and short. Although not elegant enough, it is broad and steady.
Su Shi's calligraphy is mostly flat and more slender than European style. This flat knot feature is reflected in his works such as Fu on the Red Wall and Fu on Dongting Spring.