Copying is a necessary stage and way to learn the art of calligraphy, and it is also the only means for calligraphers to learn and master calligraphy techniques throughout their lives. Copying is the only way to create calligraphy, because the process of copying is the accumulation of the aesthetic value of classic calligraphy, the process of revising the original writing habits and developing to a higher level.
The creative inspiration of calligraphers is often inspired by the process of copying inscriptions. It can be said that copying inscriptions on stele provides endless nutrition for calligraphy creation. Mastering the correct method of calligraphy copying plays a vital role in effectively improving the artistic creation level of calligraphers. However, different calligraphy styles differ in copying methods and difficulty.
Generally speaking, copying seal script is more difficult than other calligraphy styles. The reason is that seal script is too far away from us, which creates a barrier to our current understanding and judgment. In addition, there are too few relevant books and treatises discussing the technique of practicing seal script in ancient times, and there is also a lack of systematic and practical theoretical books on the technique of practicing seal script in contemporary times.
In addition, the copying and creation of seal script requires a high degree of academic accomplishment, resulting in the fact that contemporary seal script creation has always been weaker than other calligraphy styles. In view of this situation, it is necessary and urgent to pay close attention to the current situation of seal script creation to improve the level of seal script creation.
This article intends to discuss the copying and creation of seal script from the aspects of seal script's pen, word knot, ink and composition, combined with the author's insights and experience of seal script study over the years, with a view to providing reference for those who practice seal script. Use.
The most basic writing movements can be divided into catching the pen and using the pen. As far as seal script is concerned, grasping the pen is no different from writing ordinary calligraphy. For example, the palm should be empty and the fingers should be solid. The pen should be restrained, smooth and accessible. The power of the pen is hidden in the strokes, so that the breath is vast, continuous and continuous from beginning to end.
From an anatomical point of view, any kind of movement is completed in the dialectical state of muscle relaxation and maintaining a certain degree of tension. Tightness and looseness are a relative contrast. It is said that Wang Xizhi, who taught his son Wang Xianzhi calligraphy, quietly came behind Wang Xianzhi who was practicing calligraphy and suddenly pulled his brush to verify whether Wang Xianzhi's writing was tight.
In fact, this is a rumor. Mi Yuanzhang of the Song Dynasty questioned it in his "Autobiography", "It is important to learn calligraphy and write pen, which means that the pen is light, and the palm is naturally weak, and the vibrating speed is naive. Out of accident.
Although he did not specify what kind of calligraphy to write, it is actually the same requirement for writing in various calligraphy styles. It is actually misleading for beginners. I think that there is no fixed method for writing. It is a one-sided approach and the effect can only be counterproductive.