Begin Learning Brush Calligraphy with 9 Basic Strokes

In my previous post, I gave a quick tutorial on the art of faux calligraphy. Today, I want to share with you how to get started learning brush calligraphy with 9 basic brush strokes. Then, my next post will be focusing on letter forms and connecting it all together.

Just as with faux calligraphy, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

Pressure – when drawing letterforms, upstrokes are thin and downstrokes are thick.

Angle – all upstrokes and downstrokes should be parallel to each other.

Spacing – not all letters are created equally and spacing is vital to the overall composition.

To begin brush calligraphy, I would recommend using brush pens like Tombow brush pens. But there is no need to go out and buy expensive tools to create brush calligraphy. A standard marker (Crayola fine line markers or whatever you have on hand) will do nicely to get started.

There is a little bit of difference between using a brush pen and a standard marker. The brush pen behaves more like a traditional brush in that it flexes depending on the pressure applied to the tip. With a standard marker, a little twisting of the wrist is required to make the thin upstroke and thick downstroke combinations.

Learning the proper brush strokes and then practicing regularly is one of the most important aspects of achieving beautiful calligraphy. There are 9 basic brushstrokes. Some calligraphers teach more and some teach fewer, but for me, I think 9 covers all of the strokes you'll use in creating any letter form.

Brush stroke #1: upstroke

Brush stroke #2: downstroke

Brush stroke #3: alternate downstroke

Brush stroke #4: upward curve

Brush stroke #5: downward curve

Brush stroke #6: combined curve

Brush stroke #7: oval

Brush stroke #8: upward loop

Brush stroke #9: downward loop

I recently taught a calligraphy class for middle school/high school students at a local art center. In preparing for the lessons, I created a handout that explains each of the strokes. You can download this handout for FREE by completing the form below. It has all of the 9 basic strokes taught above with room to practice. Download and print as often as you like for daily practice and warm ups.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like to see a specific tutorial. Have a super-calli-graphy-listic day!