Techniques for holding hard-pen characters. Methods of holding hard-pen characters and essentials for using them.

1. Pen holding posture: Hold the pen in your right hand, with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger holding the lower end of the pen holder from three directions respectively, about an inch away from the tip of the pen, and the upper part of the pen holder leaning against the root of the index finger. The angle between the pen barrel and the paper is approximately 45°.

2. The steps of writing: Hard-pen calligraphy also pays attention to the three steps of starting the pen, extending the pen, and closing the pen.

3. Strength and speed of writing: Hard-pen calligraphy also requires the coordination of strength and speed when writing. Generally, when pressing the pen, the force is heavy and the strokes are relatively slow; when lifting the pen, the force is light, and the strokes are relatively fast.

4. The strokes of hard-pen calligraphy must be started, drawn, and closed in one go. It is a highly continuous movement completed in an instant. It does not allow for the slightest hesitation during the strokes.

5. The brush strokes should be smooth and smooth, and the transition should be natural: the brush strokes should pay attention to changes. The changes in pen calligraphy movements should be relatively smooth, and the transition should be natural. Sudden changes and sudden ups and downs can cause illness.