Calligraphy is considered one of the 'Four Treasures'. Here are some of my own work. Each word is painted in red and gold acrylic on 3x5 canvas boards.
Bing (Ice)
acrylic
Copyright 2008 by A. Dameron
Cheng (to change, to become)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Chung (loyalty)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Chi (spirit)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Fu (happiness)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
You usually see this character around Chinese New Year. It's traditionally hung upside down.
Guang (radiance)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Jen (patience_
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Ji (auspicious)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Mei (beautiful)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
This is also the character for 'sheep'. The idea is that a beautiful woman is as gentle as a lamb.
The word for 'America' is Meiguo (literally 'beautiful country').
Ming (I) Bright
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
This character for 'ming' consists of a sun and a moon together for 'bright'. Many Chinese words have multiple meanings, depending on tone and context.
Ming (II) Destiny
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Here is another character for 'ming'. This time, it means 'destiny'.
P'ing (Peace)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Shu (forgiveness)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
I find it interesting that the three characters that make up this word are (clockwise from upper left) 'woman', 'mouth' and 'heart'.
Shun (gentleness)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Xiao (smile, laugh)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
Xin (believe, trust)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
The two characters are (left) 'person' and (right) 'speech'.
Ying (courage, warrior)
Copyright 2007 by A. Dameron
This character actually looks like a warrior with a horned helmet.
The word for England is Yingguo ('courageous country')
