25th October 2025 | |
12.30pm - 4pm | |
Woodlands Workspace 66 Ashley Street, Glasgow West End G3 6HW |
|
£85 | |
Event organiser/part of Drawing and Painting Studio | |
Visit the event website here | |
Facebook information can be found here | |
Follow drawingandpaintingstudio on Instagram | |
Explore the traditional materials and brushing key styles, learning from inspiring Shodo masterpieces
In this immersive afternoon masterclass we will discover the meditative depth of Shodo 書道 calligraphy and enjoy practicing the essential techniques, learning how to brush the key styles with traditional materials in harmony.
The class teaching methods are based directly on the Japanese style of teaching used in esteemed Shodo schools. We will work from the Thousand Character Classic Senjimon 千字文 and discover the delightful styles of such calligraphers as Kaiso 懐素. Beginning with stroke practice, we will be guided in each exciting part of the process as well as learn how to mindfully relax into each moment of brushing, then be supported to complete works of calligraphy.
What we will explore and learn:
- Discover the rinsho 臨書 practice of copying classic works.
- Detailed guidance on strokes and use of the brush for each style, working with both ofude and kofude sizes of brush.
- Focus on kaisho and sosho styles, learning how to complete works in each.
- Learn to work with sumi ink, hanshi calligraphy paper and shikishi boards.
- Develop writing your name in Japanese in the rakkan 落款 signature area.
- Discover the visual background and ancient meanings of each character.
- Understand the connections between the key styles of Kaisho 楷書(boxed style), Gyosho 行書(semi cursive) and Sosho 草書(fully cursive ‘grass’ style).
Class and Student Level:
This is a friendly class using traditional materials – all materials are provided. Suitable for both total beginners and those with Shodo experience, this is a cultural and welcoming group which is great for those with an interest in Japanese or Chinese culture, or arts, language or Zen. Each participant will have direct teaching time with the teacher. No previous experience is needed to take part.
Great also for folk with an interest in Japanese or Chinese culture, or arts or language, or Zen, and no previous experience is needed to take part in these groups.
About your teacher:
Clear demonstrations and friendly help is given from calligrapher Blair Thomson, who first studied Shodo in 2002 in Toyama, Japan, with calligraphy Master Wakabayashi, and with zen monks and respected teachers in Tokyo. In 2025 Blair was awarded a Special Selection prize (Tokusen 特選) for Shodō calligraphy at the 73rd Shokaisha Exhibition 第73回 書海社展 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
Booking and more information:
Please book your space through Eventbrite. Spaces are limited so advance booking is recommended. Sorry but tickets are non-refundable, unless we need to cancel the class in unexpected circumstances. The classes are for ages 16+. If you would like to find out more please contact us.
To see past Japanese calligraphy activities, please check the Japanese calligraphy news page: drawingandpaintingstudio.com
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Learn about Shodo calligraphy using traditional materials such Japanese sumi ink and fude brushes on washi paper with Drawing and Painting Studio!
READ MORELearn about Shodo calligraphy using traditional materials such Japanese sumi ink and fude brushes on washi paper on this online course from Drawing and Painting Studio!
READ MORELearn about Shodo calligraphy using traditional materials such Japanese sumi ink and fude brushes on washi paper with Drawing and Painting Studio!
READ MOREAll The Young Nudes, the longest running life drawing club in Scotland, is held weekly on Monday evenings at Sloans!
READ MORELooking for the perfect way to introduce your child to music? Amplify's fun and engaging ukulele classes are designed just for 5 to 8-year-olds—the perfect stepping stone into music education!
READ MOREAlways wanted to play an instrument? Now's your chance! Join Amplify Music Academy for their relaxed, one-hour daytime group lessons for adults!
READ MOREJoin ATYN for their weekly life drawing club at House Of Toad on Wednesday evenings, where all are welcome!
READ MOREThe Meditation on Twin Hearts is a guided meditation which helps to flush out negative thoughts and emotions that congest our mind and body every day.
READ MORERelax and have fun for an hour and a half designing and building your own glass masterpiece at Kiln Time's Booze and Fuse workshops!
READ MOREThe experts of All Bar One & Lush are coming together for an afternoon of artistry & alcohol!
READ MOREJoin Lynne at The Wee Retreat for this Community Singing Class as she creates a relaxed and fun environment for you to enjoy using your voice and sing together.
READ MOREJoin The Craft Pottery Studio for one of their regular introduction to making ceramic forms using the potter's wheel sessions!
READ MORE