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Running Script (行书) is not just about writing fast; it’s about controlled speed and a sophisticated understanding of brushstrokes. The basic strokes used in Running Script derive from Regular Script (楷书), but they're executed with more fluidity and connection. Instead of lifting the brush between strokes, the calligrapher often connects them with subtle movements, creating a continuous flow. This connecting stroke, called “Si” (丝), is a hallmark of Running Script. The use of varying pressure is crucial in Running Script. The calligrapher modulates the pressure on the brush to create thick and thin lines, adding dynamism to the characters. Heavy strokes indicate emphasis and power, while lighter strokes add grace and elegance. This variation creates a visual rhythm, guiding the viewer's eye through the composition. It’s not just about drawing lines; it’s about creating a visual melody. The angle at which the brush is held also plays a critical role. The angle determines the shape and character of the strokes. A slightly slanted angle often leads to more expressive and lively strokes, further enhancing the unique charm of Running Script. Subtle changes in the angle can dramatically alter the look and feel of the character. The 'air' between the strokes is just as important as the strokes themselves. The negative space around the characters contributes to the overall balance and harmony of the piece. A skilled calligrapher uses this space to create depth and visual interest, allowing the characters to breathe and come alive. Understanding and controlling this space is just as important as the ink. Mastering Running Script requires not just technical skill, but also a deep understanding of these fundamental principles of strokes, pressure, angle and space. It’s a continuous journey of practice, experimentation, and observation. The goal is not simply to reproduce characters, but to express oneself through the fluid and dynamic movement of the brush. The combination of technique and artistic expression creates the captivating nature of the art. |
Tag : Running Script Technique, Brushstrokes, Chinese Calligraphy Strokes, Ink Pressure, Calligraphy Space
This article emphasizes the importance of rhythm in Running Script compositions, highlighting how the interplay of brushstrokes, connections, and spacing contribute to a sense of flow, movement, and visual cadence.
This article explores the “flying white” (Feibai) technique in Running Script, detailing how the use of a dry brush to create textured, broken strokes adds visual contrast, movement, and a dynamic quality to the artwork.
This article celebrates Running Script as a timeless form of human expression, highlighting its enduring power to inspire, connect cultures, facilitate self-discovery, and link the past, present, and future through artistic tradition.
This article explores the future of Running Script, focusing on how artists are experimenting with new materials, techniques, digital tools, and collaborations to push the boundaries of the art form while preserving its core principles.
In the art of xingshu, ink is not merely a medium but an active element that contributes to the expressive power of the calligraphy. This essay will delve into the technical aspects of ink control, examining how a calligrapher manages ink density, saturation, and dryness to create a diverse array of visual effects. We begin with a discussion of the properties of ink, highlighting how its consistency, from rich and dark to diluted and pale, can alter the character of the strokes. Understanding the material properties of ink is crucial for any calligrapher seeking mastery of the brush.