Chinese calligraphy class
Discover the Art of Chinese Calligraphy
A Beginner's Journey into Brush, Ink, and Mindfulness.
Unlock the timeless beauty and meditative power of Chinese calligraphy. The American East Mustard Seed Garden (Zhao Art Studio) invites you on a transformative 10-session journey designed for absolute beginners.
In this course, you will:
Master the Fundamentals: Learn the essential strokes and structures of the Chinese writing system, gaining the skill to write over 100 common characters.
Cultivate Mindfulness: Experience the calming focus that comes with each deliberate brushstroke, turning practice into a moving meditation.
Connect with Culture: Go beyond technique and delve into the rich history, aesthetics, and philosophy of shufa—the "way of writing."
Discover the Art of the Brush: A Journey in Mindfulness and Creativity
Under the guidance of calligraphy and ink artist Quanzhou "Jack" Zhao, this course is more than learning a technique—it's an immersive exploration of harmony, focus, and self-expression. Conducted entirely in English, this class is designed for students of all levels; no prior experience is required.
Quiet your mind and awaken your creativity. Your journey into the elegant world of brush art begins here.
This online course (via Zoom Meeting) will be held on Friday
from 7:30 pm to 8:40 pm Jan 9th, - Mar 13th, 2026
Schedule: Friday evenings, 7:30 PM – 8:40 PM (New York time)
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
Cost: $25 registration
$55 Sumi-e art supplies (brushes, ink, rice paper, etc.) and shipping
to the registered address.
$450 Tuition per student
Please use the Google Doc form below to register. When making your payment via Venmo, please clearly include your name, address, and phone number to ensure the art supplies are shipped to you correctly.
Thank you!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The studio's refund policy states that the registration fee and art supplies fee are non-refundable. A 90% unused tuition credit can be refunded if you withdraw from the class, provided that you send an email notification to zhaoartstudio@gmail.com at least three
days before the class begins.
Previous experience is not required. All materials, such as brushes, paper, ink, etc.,
are provided and shipped to you for class use. You are also welcome to use your
own art supplies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==========================================
Chinese brush painting (Sumi-e), Calligraphy Workshop
at Zhao Art Studio
Chinese Brush Painting (Sumi-e) Calligraphy Class/Workshop
Calm, Relaxing, Meditative… …
Chinese brush painting (Sumi-e), and calligraphy a magnificent experiences that can be learned under the guidance of Quanzhou (Jack) Zhao. Immerse yourself in the beautiful oriental art of literati painting. Study with professional artist Zhao as your guide to gain hands-on skills, and a new perspective of creativity. Chinese calligraphy is a method to cultivate one’s heart and attitude, a practice to express a sense of wonder, and a way to transmit one’s QI (life energy, inner mind ) into paper through brush and ink. Think of this purely visual language as abstract painting, you can make your own beautiful artwork and mindfulness by mastering the strokes
------------------------------------------------------------------
Chinese brush painting (Sumi-e) is magnificent experience that can be learned under the guidance of Quanzhou (Jack) Zhao. Immerse yourself in the beautiful oriental art of literati painting. Study with professional artist Zhao as your guide to gain hands-on skills, a new perspective of creativity and a deeper appreciation of Chinese brushworks. Chinese brushwork is a method to cultivate one’s heart and attitude, a practice to express the sense of wonder, a way to transmit one’s QI (life energy, inner mind ) into the paper through brush and ink. Think of this purely visual language as abstract painting, you can make your own beautiful artwork from mastering the strokes. The American East Mustard Seed Garden (Zhao Art Studio) is the ideal place for those who wish to learn traditional Chinese brush painting techniques.
Chinese brush painting, Calligraphy developed hand in hand, sharing the same tools and techniques. Brushstrokes are the essential characteristic of Chinese painting. Inks and brushworks provide the fundamental elements of Chinese pictures, even when colors are also used. A single brushstroke is capable of conveying qi yun (life force, the spirit of resonance), delicacy and contemplation - the essence of Chinese philosophy and aesthetics.
Workshop Description (ten classes)
This Calligraphy, Sumi-e workshop with Quanzhou(Jack) Zhao will introduce and demonstrate the key techniques for learning Chinese Calligraphy, brushwork that have been taught over the centuries in China (and Japan, Vietnam, Korea etc.), including brush painting techniques and the proper use of equipment and materials (brushes, ink, color, rice paper etc.). Subjects to be taught and practiced will include basic fundamental Chinese calligraphy strokes and Flowers/Birds brush paintings in freestyle. Studying Chinese calligraphy is a mental exercise that coordinates the mind and the body. Many people consider calligraphy one of the most relaxing yet highly disciplined exercises for physical and spiritual well-being. The abstract beauty of lines and rhythms can be extremely creative.
One workshop class is defined as a weekend morning or afternoon up to 2 hours duration. At the end of the workshop sessions, most participants will have some completed Chinese calligraphy and/or brushstroke paintings.
Methods
-- Meditation
-- Demonstration and Visual Instruction
-- Hand-On Learning
-- Studio Practice
Through demonstration and individual attention adapted to students particular skill level and interests, the instructor (Quanzhou Jack) will take you through your (first) amazing Chinese calligraphy brushwork (Sumi-e) painting step by step.
Chinese brush painting (Sumi-e) is magnificent experience that can be learned under the guidance of Quanzhou (Jack) Zhao. Immerse yourself in the beautiful oriental art of literati painting. Study with professional artist Zhao as your guide to gain hands-on skills, a new perspective of creativity and a deeper appreciation of Chinese brushworks. Chinese brushwork is a method to cultivate one’s heart and attitude, a practice to express the sense of wonder, a way to transmit one’s QI (life energy, inner mind ) into the paper through brush and ink. Think of this purely visual language as abstract painting, you can make your own beautiful artwork from mastering the strokes. Zhao Art Studio’s class/workshop is ideal for those who wish to learn traditional and contemporary Chinese painting techniques.
Chinese brush painting, Calligraphy developed hand in hand, sharing the same tools and techniques. Brushstrokes are the essential characteristic of Chinese painting. Inks and brushworks provide the fundamental elements of Chinese pictures, even when colors are also used. A single brushstroke is capable of conveying qi yun (life force, the spirit of resonance), delicacy and contemplation - the essence of Chinese philosophy and aesthetics.
Class 1 to 3,
-- A brief introduction of the properties of Chinese paints, ink, brushes, and rice paper.
-- Basic Chinese Calligraphy Strokes One and Practice. Chinese Character Tian (Sky) more regular script characters.
-- Learn How to Paint Peony (Option).
Class 3 - 6
-- Basic Chinese Calligraphy Strokes Two and Practice. Chinese Character Di (the earth) and more regular script characters. Participant’s Name in Chinese Characters and Practice.
-- Learn how to paint Plum Blossom (Option).
Class 7 - 10
-- Basic Chinese Calligraphy Strokes Two and Practice. Chinese Character Yong (Forever) and more regular script characters and the introduction of the (Wang Xizhi) running script. -- Learn how to paint Bamboo (Option).
In China, painting and calligraphy developed hand in hand, sharing the same tools and techniques. Brushstrokes are the essential characteristic of Chinese painting (Ink bamboo painting is one of the best examples) Inks and brushwork provide the fundamental elements of Chinese pictures, even when colors are also used. A single brushstroke is capable of conveying qi yun (life force, the spirit of resonance), delicacy and contemplation - the essence of Chinese philosophy and aesthetics
I sincerely hope that students' appreciation for Sumie and Chinese landscape painting blossoms into a slow, enduring journey of practice and discovery, rather than remaining a fleeting curiosity.