Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Basics

Ink to brush, brush to paper, stroke to stroke to stroke…witness traditional artistry come to life in the form of Chinese characters, delightful animals, and picturesque elements of nature. 

Be immersed into the nuanced world of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting. This course invites you to explore the art of brush and ink, from mastering the basic strokes to crafting complex compositions. Delve into the fluid expressiveness of Xieyi-style painting, capturing the essence of orchids, bamboo, fish, shrimp, and crabs. You’ll also learn foundational techniques in landscape painting by depicting nature’s elements such as trees and rocks. As you study and reproduce ancient masterpieces, deepen your understanding of traditional methods whilst honing your skills.  

Using the basic tools of brush, ink and rice paper – students will: 

• Explore the history and development of Chinese calligraphy and paintings 
• Recognise different calligraphic scripts: Regular, Running, Cursive, Clerical, and Seal scripts 
• Study and appreciate famous Eastern Han clerical script works 
• Use Wang Xizhi’s letters to understand the characteristics and style of Running script 
• Analyse and emulate famous Tang Dynasty Regular script works 
• Using freehand Chinese painting to convey the deeper meanings behind the themes of orchid and bamboo, which are two of the “Four Gentlemen” in Chinese culture 
• Paint animals and landscape referencing ancient masterpieces 

Appreciate the rich heritage and expressive beauty of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting – register today! 

Tutor
William Ho 

William Ho Wai Lam apprenticed under Dr. Chui Pui Chee. After graduating from King’s College, Hong Kong in 2019, William obtained a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) in Visual Art from Hong Kong Baptist University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Visual Arts.

William specialises in Chinese calligraphy and is a member of the Jiazi Society of Calligraphy. He has taught at primary and secondary schools as well as institutions such as Jao Tsung-I Academy and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. In 2023, William was the champion of the tertiary division in the 5th Au Kin Kung Memorial Calligraphy Competition. His works have also been exhibited in the Ink Asia- INK Art in retrospect Exhibition Series in tribute to New Ink Art Movement II Keep Up the Good Fun, and the Hong Kong Emerging Artists exhibition at Jao Tsung-I Academy.

Rooted in traditional techniques, William integrates calligraphy into contemporary context like popular song lyrics and poetry, and explores the modernity of this art form.