As the old saying goes: There is nothing else but familiarity. The mastery of any skill is achieved through sweat and understanding. This principle also applies to the practice of pen calligraphy.
To write pen calligraphy well, generally follow these two rules: internally, step by step, study hard and practice hard; externally, be open-minded to ask for advice, read more and learn more. Generally speaking, learning calligraphy will go through three processes:
1. Copybook copying stage. Choose a classic copybook that suits your taste and copy it, and start practicing in the order of regular script - running script - cursive script. We recommend: regular script copybooks by Tian Yingzhang, Sima Yan, Gu Zhongan, and Lu Zhongnan. In addition, in theory, you can choose Mr. Pang Zhonghua's book "Talking about Learning to Write Pen Calligraphy", which explains writing methods in simple and easy-to-understand terms. I benefited a lot back then.
2. The stage of seeking advice from famous teachers. When our calligraphy copying reaches a certain level, we will encounter a "ceiling", will be unable to improve our writing skills, and will enter a period of confusion. At this time, if there is a teacher beside us to give guidance, it will have the effect of getting twice the result with half the effort. Whether it's ancient brush calligraphy or modern hard-brush calligraphy, everyone travels across thousands of mountains and rivers to find famous teachers and humbly ask for advice.
Of course, self-copying and seeking advice from famous teachers can be carried out simultaneously.
3. The stage of becoming a self-contained group. After copying and the teacher's guidance, we have accumulated a lot of writing skills and experiences. At this time, we may want to break away from the shadow of our predecessors and write in our own style. This is a relatively high realm, and it is also the realm that every calligraphy lover diligently pursues.
In addition, to practice calligraphy well, there are two points that should be paid special attention to:
1. A good pen. If a worker wants to do his job well, he must first sharpen his tools! To write well, choose a good pen with affordable price and excellent writing. It is recommended to search [Top 10 fountain pen brands in the world (with the origin of fountain pens and simple selection and maintenance methods)] on Baidu. There are many pens and selection methods in it, which is very practical.
2. Study hard and practice hard. As the old saying goes: If you don't write for three days, you will be born. Especially in our pen calligraphy practice, the understanding and advancement of writing skills are gained through more writing and more practice. At that time, the great calligrapher Wang Xizhi practiced calligraphy diligently, and once used his brushes to dye all the ponds next to him black. Finally, he succeeded, leaving the eternal legend of "Ink Pond".
3. Have a persevering heart. Nothing can be accomplished overnight. Calligraphy practice is also a job that tests endurance. It is easiest to fish for three days and dry the net for two days, so you must be self-disciplined and practice persistently. You will definitely improve your pen writing.