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"Dry brush" techniques are a powerful tool in Running Script (行书) calligraphy, creating a unique textural quality that adds depth, dynamism, and a sense of spontaneity to the work. This technique adds another dimension to the artwork and allows for a wider range of visual effects. The controlled use of the dry brush can bring life to the written word. The dry brush effect is achieved by using a brush with minimal ink, allowing the bristles to drag across the paper, creating broken or striated lines with a rough and textured appearance. This allows the paper itself to become part of the composition. The use of the dry brush is a useful way to add visual interest to the work. Dry brush can be used to add highlights, shadows, and a sense of depth, which creates a more three-dimensional effect in the two dimensional space of the paper. The effect of the dry brush also adds to the dynamism of the piece, contributing to the flow of the written characters. It can be used to contrast against the more solid strokes, to give the work a sense of depth and dimension. Dry brush techniques also reflect a sense of naturalness and spontaneity, mirroring the unpredictable beauty found in nature and reflecting the inner emotions of the calligrapher. The dry brush technique can often reflect a sense of underlying emotion in the work itself. This technique allows the viewer to see the artist’s hand at work. Mastering dry brush techniques in Running Script requires practice, patience, and a deep understanding of brush control and ink density. It allows the artist to explore a wide range of visual expressions. The mastery of this technique is key to understanding the full range of possibilities in this art form. |
Tag : Dry Brush Calligraphy, Running Script Technique, Calligraphy Textures, Chinese Calligraphy, Brush Techniques
Learn the essential stroke techniques and brush control needed to master Running Script (Xingshu). Discover how to create the fluid and dynamic lines that define this style.
This article emphasizes the importance of the heart and mind in Running Script, highlighting how the calligrapher’s inner state, intention, and emotional engagement are reflected in the strokes, and how the practice is a path to both artistic and personal growth.
This article outlines common mistakes that beginners make when learning Running Script, such as rushing strokes, neglecting character structure, using inconsistent pressure, and ignoring negative space, providing guidance for improvement.
Running script, xingshu, is not a static art form; it continues to evolve and inspire contemporary artists who are reinterpreting the tradition with new approaches and techniques. This essay will explore how contemporary calligraphers are pushing the boundaries of xingshu, while honoring its historical roots. We will begin by acknowledging the traditional roots of the script, and emphasize how contemporary calligraphers are deeply engaged with the rich history of xingshu. We will focus on the fact that the contemporary practice is not a rejection of history, but an active dialogue with the past.
In the annals of Chinese calligraphy, one work stands out as an emblem of artistic brilliance and spontaneous expression: the Lanting Xu, or “Preface to the Poems Collected at the Orchid Pavilion,” by the famed calligrapher Wang Xizhi. Composed around 353 AD, this piece is more than just a text; it is a window into the artistic spirit of a man considered the Sage of Calligraphy and a testament to the profound connection between art, nature, and emotion.