In-Person & Online Chinese Calligraphy Workshops

My purpose is to be a bridge to one of the most complex languages through the art of Traditional Chinese Calligraphy and to embrace our shared humanity through understanding of cultures

Rayna was very patient and explained things so well. I like the incorporation of history and culture and the hands on nature of the event.

Participant from Waltham, MA

I liked bonding with fellow employees and sharing cultural experiences.

Participant from San Diego, CA

New activity with no pressure for perfection!

Participant from Billerica, MA

I liked seeing different people in [company] that I otherwise would not have gotten to meet. I also like that it simplifies the character making process.

Participant from Boston, MA

VERY informative and entertaining!

Participant from Merrimac, MA

Really fun activity, learned a lot about Lunar New Year and Chinese symbols.

Participant from Waltham, MA

I found this unique experience rewarding, relaxing, interesting and educational!! It was really nice to feel like I could wind down step away from 'work' and allow myself to enjoy being told to 'take a deep breath,' 'practice,' and most of all to just move forward rather than try to go back and correct what you feel is a mistake!

Participant from Groton, MA

Great, high quality supplies!

Participant from Waltham, MA

The kit was great. Being able to follow along was key.

Participant from Waltham, MA

About This Workshop

Taught in English. Learn the fundamentals of Chinese calligraphy and discover your calligraphy style! In this in-person or virtual online workshop, you will:

Learn how to write a traditional Chinese character
Learn simple illustrative visual cues to enforce character and meaning association
Learn etymology and culture
Learn traditional tools and techniques
Go behind the scenes with artist Rayna Lo on her art process
Learn a new method of mindfulness and meditative practice through calligraphy

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get supplies?

For in-person workshops, I will provide all relevant supplies.

For virtual online workshops, supply kits are available in my shop here.
These supply kits include:

Black sumi ink
Pack of rice paper sheets
Calligraphy brush

No need to purchase supplies if you already have them. No need to have a specific brand of supplies, either.

Supplies will be shipped to you prior to start of workshop and will last you beyond the online workshop. They can be used again for future workshops as well! Calligraphy guides in pdf format will be emailed to you, along with Zoom login details. If you need paper copies of calligraphy guides but not the kit, contact me below or send me an email at Rayna@raynalo.com and I can mail paper copies to you at no charge.

Please be sure to order the supply kits prior to start of the workshop. For US domestic shipments, kits are shipped Priority Mail via USPS. However, please order the supplies at least a week prior to start in the event of shipping delays, weekends, and holidays.

Do I need to have any art skills?

Absolutely not. No experience necessary. Just an open mind to learn!

What else do I need for the online workshop?

Stable Internet connection is required. If joining via mobile, the Zoom app will need to be downloaded. Please sign into Zoom prior to class to make sure all plug-ins are downloaded. You will also need the following:

Cup/jar of water for brush dipping
Small saucer for the ink
Paper towels
Newspaper/scrap paper to prevent ink from bleeding onto your table surface (washes off with water)

Here is an example of what my set up looks like:

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop with Rayna Lo - learn how to write the character for dragon

*Color will not be used for the traditional Chinese calligraphy workshop
*That is a rhinoceros beetle encased in resin and is a paper weight

Can I request characters to write?

Absolutely! I would limit the character choices to 1-2 characters due to complexity. Please feel free to contact me and let’s explore options together!

Will simplified or traditional characters be taught?

Traditional Chinese characters will be taught.

Where else can I purchase supplies?

If you’d like to purchase from other sources, please check out:

Amazon:
Ink
Paper
Brush

In case there are any allergies, what are the supplies made of?

Sumi Ink
Water-resistant sumi ink is permanent and made from high quality vegetable soot. Ink contains a small amount of shellac, which allows for unique glazing capabilities. Ink can easily wash off surfaces with water.

Rice Paper
Rice paper is made with very long fibers from the mulberry tree making them very strong, yet lightweight and durable.

Calligraphy Brush
Set in bamboo, the brush is made with a combination of horse, badger, and sheep hair. Other branded brushes can be made of wolf hair.

How do I care for the brush?

After each use, gently run brush under warm water and lay out flat to dry or hang dry before storing. Brush also comes with a loop for hanging.

Are private workshops available for corporate events?

Yes! Please refer to the corporate events page for more information!

Contact Me

GALLERY

Google

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at Google

Google

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at Google

Louis Vuitton

In-person calligraphy event at Louis Vuitton

Rayna Lo Chinese Calligraphy Workshop at MIT

MIT

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Prada

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at Prada

Northeastern University

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at Northeastern University

Northeastern University

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at Northeastern University

SELA International School

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at SELA International School

Bain Capital

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at Bain Capital

Pao Arts Center

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at Pao Arts Center

Pao Arts Center

In-person Chinese calligraphy workshop at Pao Arts Center

Online

Live online Chinese calligraphy workshop via video call

Online

Live online Chinese calligraphy workshop via video call

Additional Art Workshop Options

The following workshops are held to create space for participants to witness their own creativity and artistic skills. I truly believe that the world would be a better place if people were provided the knowledge, tools, and intentional space as an outlet for their self-expression. These workshops are also designed to highlight multiple facets of Asian culture and beyond. Majority of workshops can be held in-person and/or virtually.

DESIGN YOUR OWN LUNAR NEW YEAR ENVELOPES

Learn how to make your own custom Lunar New Year red envelopes. I provide step-by-step instructions for simple illustration techniques followed by instructions for transforming any piece of paper into an envelope. You will be able to design and manufacturer your own red envelopes with tools you already have at home. We will also explore the cultural significance of the red envelope and how Lunar New Year is celebrated. This is a great family activity to do together.

Make Your Own Lunar New Year Red Envelopes Workshop by Rayna Lo

PLAYFUL MODERN CALLIGRAPHY

Learn how to use traditional western calligraphy tools to create beautiful modern script. In this playful workshop, we’ll break away from traditional calligraphy rules and see how embracing imperfections can make fun calligraphy. We will also learn about inks and play with some of my favorites curated from my friends at The Paper Mouse stationery shop. Beginners welcome and no experience necessary.

MINDFUL BULLET JOURNALING & ILLUSTRATION TECHNIQUES

Discover the benefits of bullet journaling through easy-to-follow drawing instructions and reflection-provoking prompts. In this workshop, you will learn how bullet journaling can help you unlock your creativity and keep track of everything that is important to you. Learn how to make customized templates to organize your thoughts, schedule, and life with fun and easy-to-remember illustration techniques. You will be able to create your own planner and turn any journal into a powerful tool that works for your unique lifestyle. Explore strategies for developing creative habits. Deep dive into journal prompts and explore your personal values to help you be more reflective and intentional with your life. Beginners welcome and no experience necessary.

Mindful Bullet Journalist and Illustration Techniques Workshops by Rayna Lo

MAKE YOUR OWN COMIC ILLUSTRATION

Let’s get your stories onto paper! Learn how to bring your anecdotes to life with simple and easy-to-follow illustration techniques. Explore comic templates, simple character design, and most importantly, how to remove barriers that inhibit our stories from being told (Spoiler: it’s our own limiting beliefs). Beginners welcome and no experience necessary

FLORAL PATTERN WATERCOLORS

Let’s create fun patterns using simple and easy-to-follow floral designs using watercolor! Learn how painting lines and simple shapes can lead to beautiful compositions and endless possibilities for uses. We’ll also explore design principles and how they can guide us on creating patterns. Beginners welcome and no experience necessary.

CREATE YOUR OWN GRADIENT ARTWORK

Looking for a gift idea that’s fun for the creator and recipient? Create your very own unique art piece! We’ll learn how to create a mesmerizing gradient using a simple coloring technique that we’ve all probably done as kids. In this therapeutic and easy-to-follow workshop, we’ll explore how choosing just a few colors can create endless gradient and composition possibilities. Beginners welcome and no experience necessary. Giving it away as a gift is optional.

PARTNERS

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