Key Information

Date: Thursdays, 26 February; 5, 12, 19, 26 March
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm

Student Level: Suitable for beginners and advanced learners. Ideal as a follow-up for students who attended previous calligraphy courses. All practice materials will be new for this block.

Location: Confucius Institute for Scotland, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP

Why take this course?

This course introduces the essential techniques of Chinese soft-brush writing, guiding participants through the fundamental strokes of Clerical and Running script styles.

Chinese calligraphy is one of the oldest and most revered visual art forms in China. The practice is calming, relaxing, and meditative—beneficial for well-being and longevity. Mastering the pointed soft brush offers both mental focus and physical coordination.

What does the course cover?

• Brush handling and ink control
• Techniques for Clerical (隶书) and Running Script (行书)
• Stroke order, structure, and stylistic variations
• Demonstrations, guided practice, and personalised critique

About the Teacher

Led by Chi Zhang, featured in the BBC documentary The Art of Chinese Brush Painting and guest artist on Sky TV’s Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir (2024).

Website: www.chizhangartist.com

Fees

• 1 class – £25
• 2 classes – £45
• 3 classes – £65
• 4 classes – £80
• 5 classes – £100

All specialist materials are included, along with Chinese tea during the break.

Please register your interest by email: info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk

One-to-one tutorials and small-group workshops available. Email: info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk

Date & Time: Thursday, 12 February, 4:30pm – 6:30pm

(Please arrive by 5:00pm. The door will close promptly at 5:00pm and late entry will not be possible)

Celebrate Chinese New Year with creativity!
Create your own Fu (福) – the character for Good Luck or Good Fortune – traditionally displayed during the New Year for blessings and positivity.

This beginner-friendly session introduces the basics of Chinese calligraphy using soft brushes and ink. Practising calligraphy is calming, meditative, and supports well-being by harmonising the mind and body.

Spaces are limited – please register by email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk  to secure your place.

Key Information

Date:  Wednesdays, 28 January; 4, 11, 18, 25 February
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm

Student Level:
Suitable for complete beginners and those with previous experience. Each session is designed to support you at your own pace and help you build confidence in core techniques.

Location:
 Confucius Institute for Scotland, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP

Why take this course?

Winter landscapes are one of the most poetic themes in Chinese brush painting, drawing on a thousand-year artistic tradition. Using soft brushes, ink, and mineral colours, you will learn how to create atmospheric snowy scenes in the style of the Chinese old masters.

Through guided demonstrations and step-by-step instruction, you’ll experience the meditative flow of brushwork and discover how expressive, elegant results can be achieved with simple, refined strokes.

What will I learn?

• Fundamental techniques of Chinese brush painting
• How to use traditional tools: brush, ink, colour, and Xuan paper
• Basic strokes, brush pressure control, and composition
• Cultural and historical background of Chinese landscape painting
• How to create your own winter-themed artwork

About the Teacher

The course is led by Chi Zhang, an experienced instructor and artist featured in the BBC documentary The Art of Chinese Brush Painting and guest artist on Sky TV’s Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir (Episode 5, 2024).

Website: www.chizhangartist.com

Fees

• 1 class – £25
• 2 classes – £45
• 3 classes – £65
• 4 classes – £80
• 5 classes – £100

All specialist materials are provided, including Chinese ink, traditional animal-hair brushes, and Xuan paper. Chinese tea will be served during the break.

Please register your interest by email: info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk

One-to-one tutorials and small group workshops are also available.

Email: info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk