Calligraphy & Brush Painting

China Institute will continue to provide online Chinese Brush Painting via Zoom. The instructor Ms. Sungsook Setton will employ a flexible and creative approach to teach her virtual Brush Painting class, integrating group instruction and individual tutoring.

This class provides training in the fundamentals of traditional brush painting, its principles, techniques, subject matters and styles. Themes covered include landscapes, birds-and-flowers, insects, fish, and others. Students are trained to master brushstrokes and taught the skills of capturing the essence of forms.

• Instruction and discussion.
• Communication with instructor for commentary on individual practice.
• The class will use a combination of communication tools, including Zoom, linked to a camera, recorded videos and email correspondence for individual guidance, etc.
• The instructor will provide the zoom meeting information, as well as a brief introduction on how to use Zoom.

To watch a demo of the class, click here.

Calligraphy is the art of writing Chinese characters. Students are taught how to use the brush and given an artistic and etymological introduction to China’s system of writing, which is an important key to understanding and appreciating Chinese art, history, and culture. Students learn and practice basic brush strokes and characters in a meditative, relaxed atmosphere. Classes often begin with a demonstration, followed by time for individual attention, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Knowledge of Chinese or brush technique is not necessary. Materials are supplied for the first class only.

Kǎishū (楷书), or regular script, developed during the Han dynasty (202 BC–220 AD) and remains the most widely used calligraphic style today. It is characterized by clear, legible characters, balanced proportions, and well-defined, discrete strokes. Owing to these qualities, Kǎishū is commonly taught as a foundational script for learning Chinese characters and the principles of Chinese calligraphy.

This Spring 2026 course focuses on the study of The Jiuchenggong Liquan Inscription, 《九成宫醴泉铭》, written in 632 CE by Ouyang Xun (欧阳询), a renowned Tang dynasty stele inscription, and one of the most significant masterpieces in the history of Chinese calligraphy, particularly in regular script (Kaishu 楷书).

From a calligraphic perspective, Jiuchenggong Liquan Inscription is celebrated for its rigorous structure, precise brushwork, and dignified balance. Its characters are upright, compact, and highly disciplined, exemplifying the formal beauty of regular script. The work serves as a foundational model for developing stroke accuracy, structural awareness, and brush control. Owing to its clarity and exemplary style, Jiuchenggong Liquan Inscription has been studied for centuries and continues to be a core reference for both beginning and advanced students of regular-script calligraphy.

This 10-week calligraphy course introduces the essential techniques, brush control, and structural principles of regular script through guided practice based on the Jiuchenggong Liquan Inscription. Students will progress from refining fundamental strokes and structural components to writing complete characters and short passages drawn from the stele.

Weekly Homework submission is required, as it allows the instructor to track your progress and provide personalized feedback in a timely manner.

This course is designed for learners at all levels, from beginners to those with experience in clerical script.