Jiang Kui's Continuation of the Book is a very valuable work on the theory of calligraphy, which covers a lot of content on calligraphy techniques, creative methods, and aesthetic views. The following are the main contents of the "Continuation of the Book Spectrum":
1. Basic skills.
1.Pen movement method: Jiang Kui emphasized the importance of pen movement, and put forward basic techniques such as "lifting and pressing", that is, by controlling the lifting and pressing of the pen stroke, to achieve the change and texture of the strokes.
2.Stroke Form: He describes in detail the form and characteristics of various strokes, such as center, side, square, round, etc., as well as their precautions when writing.
3.Structural Layout: Jiang Kui believes that the structural layout of calligraphy works is also crucial, and he proposes principles such as "proper density" and "proper side" to guide calligraphers on how to create aesthetically pleasing works through the density and sides of the strokes.
2. The creative process.
1.Observation and Conception: Jiang Kui believes that before starting to create, it is necessary to carefully observe and think about the calligraphy, and understand the style and characteristics of the calligraphy, so that it can be used as a reference and play when creating.
2.Emotional Expression: He emphasized that calligraphy, as an art form, requires calligraphers to integrate their own emotions and thoughts into their works to make them vital and infectious.
3.Keep practicing: Jiang Kui believes that calligraphy is a skill that needs to be practiced and honed constantly, and only through continuous practice can you improve your calligraphy level.
3. Aesthetic point of view.
1.Style pursuit: Jiang Kui believes that the style of calligraphy is diverse, and each calligrapher has his own characteristics and style, and he encourages calligraphers to pursue their own style rather than blindly following others.
2.Natural Beauty: He emphasized the importance of natural beauty in calligraphy, believing that good calligraphy works should be as smooth, natural and harmonious as nature.
3.Appreciation of elegance and vulgarity: He believes that a good calligraphy work should be both appreciated and understood, that is, it has the characteristics of both elegance and vulgarity.
Overall, the Continuation of the Book is a very valuable theoretical work on calligraphy, which deals with the basic techniques of calligraphy, the creative process, and the aesthetic point of view.