The hanging elbow is a method of writing calligraphy with the entire arm holding the pen hanging in the air. The method of holding the pen is: the fingers are solid and the palm is empty, the left hand is naturally placed on the table, the right hand holding the pen is suspended in the air and flat, relax, the pen is vertical, the fingers and wrists do not move when writing, the big arm drives the forearm, and the whole arm is used to write. , this method can be used arbitrarily, and is suitable for writing both large and small characters. It is the best way of writing and is also a method commonly used by calligraphers.
In the past calligraphy teaching, there was also a method of writing with the wrist hanging, but from the author's many years of teaching methods, the method that is most beneficial to the development of calligraphy enthusiasts should be the wrist hanging method. The hanging elbow should be used as a lesson for beginners, and it is also suitable for beginners of all ages to learn and master. The author’s calligraphy teaching work carried out all year round is based on this. Writing with the elbow hanging is beneficial to sitting or standing, writing The hour characters can be large or small, and should be considered the best way to practice. From the perspective of the way of holding the pen, the practice of holding the pen with the elbow hanging is also of great benefit to the stability of writing in the future. When we practice calligraphy, at the beginning In the first stage, you can first use the hanging elbow method to write four to five-inch square strokes. Through the practice of basic strokes such as horizontal, vertical, left, back, point, hook, fold, and pick, you must master the ins and outs of basic strokes. When I use my pen proficiently and clearly, and then I select and post the calligraphy, the effect is exceptionally outstanding, and my hand for writing can gradually become more controllable. However, suddenly hanging all the arms in the air will be difficult at first. The whole arm will be numb and painful, but it will be resolved as long as you persist.
The height and tightness of the pen holding
In exchange activities with some college students in Guangzhou about their calligraphy and painting hobbies, the vast majority of college calligraphy and painting enthusiasts often have some initial problems when holding the pen. A common problem among scholars is that the fingers holding the pen have open gaps between them. During the writing process, the fingers, wrists, and arms swing left and right, as if they were dancers. It can also be seen from the written works that the strokes are smooth, weak, and light. , the words float on the paper, which is quite contrary to the often said "the force penetrates the back of the paper, and the force reaches the end of the pen".
While achieving "the finger is strong and the palm is empty", the height of holding the pen is also critical. When sitting, the pen can be held in the middle of the penholder. When moving the pen, the tightness of the pen must be the same as the flexibility of the pen. The speed also has a lot to do with it. Beginners often hold the pen too tightly, which will make the strokes rigid when using the pen. Therefore, the fingers holding the pen should be neither tight nor loose, and should be completely in a state of body relaxation, so that the pen can be moved like this. You will feel relaxed and your strokes will be smooth.