Practicing lines is essential for mastering Etegami, as it helps you develop control and precision with your brushwork. Follow these step-by-step instructions to improve your line work:

• Gather your materials: You will need a brush (preferably a thin brush for line work), sumi ink or black watercolor, water, and practice paper (watercolor paper or regular paper).
• Prepare your ink: If using sumi ink, grind the inkstick on an inkstone with a bit of water to achieve the desired consistency. If using black watercolor, mix it with a small amount of water.
• Hold the brush correctly: Grip the brush near the base of the bristles with your thumb, index, and middle fingers. Hold it vertically, with the bristles pointing downward.
• Start with basic lines: Practice drawing horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines. Vary the pressure to create lines with different thicknesses, and practice maintaining consistent pressure for even lines.
• Practice curves and loops: Draw curved lines, circles, and loops to gain control over the brush’s movement. Experiment with varying pressure and speed.
• Combine line styles: Practice creating lines that transition between thick and thin, curved and straight, or fast and slow. This will help you develop versatility in your brushwork.
• Embrace imperfection: Etegami is about capturing the beauty of imperfection, so don’t worry if your lines aren’t perfectly straight or even. Embrace the unique character of each line.

Practice regularly to develop your skill and confidence in creating expressive lines for your Etegami artwork.