Chinese Calligraphy Course

Course Description

This course aims to acquaint students with the techniques of how calligraphy was taught and learned over centuries in China. Studying calligraphy was a physical as much as a mental exercise, which in its initial stages aimed more at the control of breath and posture, and movement of body, shoulder, arm and hand. The written characters were the result of achieving a certain balance.

This is a basic skills oriented course starting with the origins of Chinese characters and the art of Chinese calligraphy. Acquainting students with the characteristics of Lishu, the Offical Script, the course focuses on the basic strokes and forms of written Chinese characters. Students will learn to sit and to concentrate on the movement of the brush. The emphasis is on the techniques, methods and practice of brush writing.

Students who want to progress further will be able to take up more advanced course options later or move on to painting classes.

Our teacher Franz Cheung has been practising Chinese calligraphy and painting for many years, and since 2007 has had four solo exhibitions in Sydney and numerous group exhibitions both in Australia and overseas . Franz is currently the president of the Australian Oriental Calligraphy Society. His calligraphy appears in an Australian landscape photo album, Tranquil Waters, which he co-authored with Ian Carlson and published in 2005. He also featured in a short film titled 4 Immeasurable produced by film- maker Keith Johnson in 2009.

Franz is also a lecturer in Chinese Art History at Macquarie University and regularly conducts workshops for the Art Gallery of NSW.

Topics Covered include:

• Introduction of Chinese calligraphy
• Development of Official Script
• Appreciation of fully cursive Official Script

Course information

Location & Map

Education Building (A35):

Pre-requisites: No prior knowledge is required.

Materials: Students can buy writing brushes, paper and ink at recommended suppliers following consultation with the teacher.

Certificate: Evaluation is provided at the end of course. Certificates are awarded to those students who have satisfactorily completed at least 75% of the course and achieved the course requirements.

Further Information:

• The class will be conducted in English.
• Parking is available on the campus for a flat fee of $6 after 6pm.
• We aim to have a maximum number of 15 students in all our classes. If we exceed 15 students, we will try to split classes (depending on availability of teachers and facilities).
• All classes need a minimum number of students to go ahead. If your chosen course does not have sufficient enrolment, it may be postponed to next term or cancelled. Should this happen, we will inform you as soon as possible.
• For legal reasons, we reserve the right to vary courses due to unforeseen circumstances.

If you have any queries about this outline or any aspect of the Traditional Chinese Calligraphy Class, please do not hesitate to contact us on +61 2 9036 7512 or email