Calligraphic Drawing by Schin Loong

Calligraphic Drawing by Schin Loong ISBN-13: 9781631593338 Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Rockport Publishers Released: Nov. 13, 2018

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Calligraphic Drawing, written and illustrated by artist Schin Loong, is a step-by-step guide to the pictorial side of calligraphy. Learn how to make calligraphic flourishes, then apply the technique to draw 15 different flourished animals. You'll also find instructions for embellishing letters and drawing ornamental cartouches.

With her fresh approach to this age-old art form, Schin will take you confidently through each step, from choosing your pen, nib, and ink, to creating calligraphic animals that express your own imagination and artistry. The basic steps for the strokes are simple, but as you learn each new pattern and stroke, you'll watch your drawings develop into ever more complex and beautiful compositions.

By following the step-by-step instructions, you can create stunning drawings of a pigeon, swan, crane, rooster, jellyfish, goldfish, peacock, parrot, owl, raccoon, elephant, puppy, rabbit, fox, and zebra. Each exercise includes a photo of the animal, followed by an illustration and written guidance for each numbered step. You'll find helpful tips and encouragement throughout. At the back, a gallery showcase provides examples of Schin's own artwork to inspire you in your own flourishing pursuits.


My Review:
Calligraphic Drawing teaches how to use a nib pen, ink, and paper to create calligraphic flourishes of animals and how to draw ornamental cartouches. The author taught how to create your own designs and provided exercises to help you master the basic strokes. It's not just about copying the author but really learning to do it for yourself. She started with advice about selecting the basic equipment and keeping it working well. She demonstrated some basic strokes and gets you to practice them (and your own variations on them) with some exercises and a simple quill flourish example.

Finally, she did step-by-step instructions for drawing a pigeon (2 ways), swan, crane, rooster, jellyfish, goldfish, peacock, parrot, owl, raccoon, elephant, puppy, rabbit, fox, and zebra. She also demonstrated drawing ornamental cartouches and adding words to your animals. The author showed the steps she goes through to come up with a design--from photo to finished piece--so you can do it for yourself and in your own style.

She tended to exaggerate a feature on each animal (for example, the peacock had such a huge tail that it wouldn't be able to walk), but it's very easy for each person to modify the design to one they prefer. I found this book to be very helpful and encouraging. I think it'd be useful for those experienced at calligraphy but also for those who have never picked up a nib pen before.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.