Another mindful calligraphy basics exercise. We will practice the underturn stroke in combination with your breathing. It is meant to get you in a nice and relaxed flow.
The underturn is the exact opposite of an overturn. It is a stroke in the shape of a ‘u’.
When I think of the underturn, I somehow think of fish scales. Don’t ask me why. So I thought it would be a fun idea to practice this particular stroke within the drawing of a fish. This way you practice and create the scales of the fish at the same time.
If you are interested in a tutorial on how to draw this particular fish or if you would like me to create a practice template with this fish. Let me know!
Supplies used:
Smooth dotted bullet journal (Archer & Olive) and brush pens (Tombow fudenosuke hard tip), colors: blue, yellow.
Alternative supply suggestions:
If you don’t have brush pens, it is still possible to do the exercise. Just grab a regular sheet of paper and some colored pencils. With colored pencils you can make the thin and thick strokes as well. Really, I have tested this. If colored pencils are also not available to you, you can use a regular pencil.
Instructions:
1. Draw a fish (a basic fish shape is enough). Let me know if you would like a tutorial or a template for this.
2. An underturn is a u-shaped stroke. For the first part you will press down hard when you go down. Breathe out when you do this.
3. Breathe in and slowly start releasing the pressure when you go up. Try to keep the angle the same as the angle of the downstroke.
4. Fill in the whole fish with underturns. Focus on your breathing.
5. Now your fish has scales!
