Pressure-and-Release Stroke

The pressure-and-release stroke combines a light entrance hairline, a shaded downstroke, and a clean hairline exit.

This is one of the core movements behind letters such as n, m, h, r, v, and many common Copperplate connections.

The goal is to move smoothly from light pressure into shade, then release before the baseline and return into a thin hairline.

This stroke trains control, rhythm, spacing, and balanced inner spaces.

Watch the full movement before practicing.

Focus on five steps:

1. Start with a light hairline.
2. Turn smoothly at the waistline.
3. Add pressure into the shaded downstroke.
4. Release before the baseline.
5. Exit into a clean hairline.

The downstroke and return hairline should look parallel. The inner spaces should feel balanced, not pinched. Avoid sharp corners at the top or bottom turns.