The Outline of Calligraphy is Liu Xizai's exposition on the art of calligraphy, which covers the history, theory, technique, aesthetics and other aspects of calligraphy. Through the evaluation of the works of ancient calligraphers, he summed up some basic rules and techniques of calligraphy, and also made an in-depth understanding of the essence and value of calligraphy art.
First of all, Liu Xizai introduced in detail the development history of Chinese calligraphy, from oracle bone inscription, golden script, seal script, official script to cursive script, line script, regular script and other stages of calligraphy, so that readers have a more comprehensive understanding of the historical background of calligraphy art.
Secondly, Liu Xizai expounded the basic theory of calligraphy in the book. He emphasized the importance of penmanship, believing that only by mastering the correct penmanship can we write calligraphy works with vitality. At the same time, he also mentioned the importance of calligraphy, believing that the structure of characters and the arrangement of strokes should conform to the principle of beauty, so that calligraphy works can have a sense of beauty. In addition, he emphasized the importance of ink method, believing that controlling the change of ink color can make calligraphy works more vivid and natural.
In terms of technique, Liu Xizai summed up some basic techniques and methods by appreciating the works of ancient calligraphers. For example, he proposed basic techniques such as starting and closing the pen lightly and slowly, and moving the pen steadily and fluently, which are very helpful for those who learn calligraphy.
In addition, Liu Xizai also carried out the aesthetics of calligraphy works in the book. He believes that the quality of calligraphy works depends on whether they have emotion, artistic conception, and charm. He believes that a good calligraphy work should be able to move people's hearts and arouse people's emotional resonance, and at the same time, it should also have a vivid charm and make the work have vitality.
In general, "Outline of Calligraphy" is a simple theoretical work of calligraphy, which not only expounds the history, theory and techniques of calligraphy art, but also makes a breakthrough on the aesthetics of calligraphy works. By reading this book, readers can have a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the art of calligraphy, so as to better appreciate the charm of the art of calligraphy.