Intermediate programme

This 10 week’s intermediate programme will introduce you to the basics of Shui-mo Ink Art. It is designed in a way to accommodate both students that are new to Calligratherapy or those who have completed the beginner’s programme.
Shui-mo Ink Art has been practiced for thousands of years for its artistic and healing properties. In the orient it is a meditative practice that encourages the integration of body and mind. As the calligrapher draws/writes, their breathing becomes even, heart beat slows and a sense of focus and clarity develops. It brings about a state of calm awareness and over time the calligrapher refines their temperament through the artistic representation of thought and consciousness.

The Outcome

  • The symbolism of the four treasures of the art (brush, ink, paper and stone) and how they contribute to the meditative state
  • How to work with the instruments
  • Basic brush strokes and breath work
  • How the mind works as a self-regulating system which strives for equilibrium
  • Clerical Script and Running script
  •  Shui-mo/Sumie basics covering three different themes. 
  • How to determine which style best represents the personal quality you want to work towards
  • How to perfectly draw a single character in each style that best represents your personal development goal

Building structure: Clerical Script in depth. Introduce a small size brush to practice small characters. Introduce to Shui-mo/Sumie (ink painting basics).

Workshop 1

  • Breathing exercise
  • Clerical Script
  •  Stroke and character practicing
  • Play with brush and ink to draw a Panda
  •  Complete a Shui-mo ink artwork

Workshop 2

  • Breathing exercise
  • Clerical Script
  • Character and phrase practicing
  • Shui-mo basics: animals
  • Copy and tracing exercise

Workshop 3

  • Breathing exercise
  • Character origins
  • Practice characters and phrases
  • Copy and tracing exercise
  • Shui-mo basics: zodiac animals

Workshop 4

  • Breathing exercise
  • Clerical Script in depth
  • Signature and stamps
  • Practice phrases and poems
  • Shui-mo basics: flowers and trees

Workshop 5

  • Mini project: Design and complete your own Shui-mo ink artwork
  • Shui-mo basics: Landscape

Upper-intermediate programme

Building balance – Running Script in depth. Introduce a super large brush to practice large characters.  More in-depth look at Running script stroke, parts and character including 10 general rules of writing the Running Script.

Combine Calligraphy with Shui-mo painting to create Calli-painting ink art.

Workshop 6

  • Breathing exercise
  • Introduction to running script
  • Running script basics
  • Rule 1&2
  • Practice strokes
  • Copy exercise
  • Shui-mo Calli-painting based on a phrase of a poem

Workshop 7

  • Breathing exercise
  • More on running script
  • Rule3&4
  • Copy and tracing exercise
  • Shui-mo Calli-painting based on a phrase of a poem continued

Workshop 8

  • Breathing exercise
  • Running script in depth
  • Rule 5&6
  • Practice characters and phrases
  • Copy and tracing exercise
  • Shui-mo Calli-painting based on a phrase of a poem continued

Workshop 9

  • Breathing exercise
  • Rule 7&8
  • Copy and tracing exercise
  • Practice phrases and poems
  • Shui-mo Calli-painting based on a phrase of a poem continued

Workshop 10

  • Breathing exercise
  • Rule 9&10
  • Bring it all together
  • Design and complete your own Shui-mo calli-painting artwork to reflect your personality and philosophy.
  • Next step