How long does it take to be good at Chinese calligraphy?
If people tell you it probably will take 5 years, 10 years, or even lifetime, you probably will not be interested. But if a Chinese tell you 2 or 3 years, he is not telling the truth. It depends on how we start, how much do we “observe” and understand and are able to apply the principles and theories, our personality, insight, patience, quality of tools, and so on. There are no such things as “The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy”, “Chinese Calligraphy Made Easy”, “The Complete Guide to Chinese Calligraphy.” (People who make those statements or titles are often laymen of Chinese arts and may provide incorrect or misleading instructions and knowledge and substandard work.) Otherwise, Chinese calligraphy won’t be regarded as a sublime art form in China for nearly 5,000 years. Like Chinese cooking and martial arts, the combinations and possibilities of beauty of Chinese calligraphy are unlimited. The journey of learning is beautiful and joyful.
If people tell you it probably will take 5 years, 10 years, or even lifetime, you probably will not be interested. But if a Chinese tell you 2 or 3 years, he is not telling the truth. It depends on how we start, how much do we “observe” and understand and are able to apply the principles and theories, our personality, insight, patience, quality of tools, and so on. There are no such things as “The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy”, “Chinese Calligraphy Made Easy”, “The Complete Guide to Chinese Calligraphy.” (People who make those statements or titles are often laymen of Chinese arts and may provide incorrect or misleading instructions and knowledge and substandard work.) Otherwise, Chinese calligraphy won’t be regarded as a sublime art form in China for nearly 5,000 years. Like Chinese cooking and martial arts, the combinations and possibilities of beauty of Chinese calligraphy are unlimited. The journey of learning is beautiful and joyful. However, if one does not understand the und
