Learning CalligraphyThis is a bit of a guide to help you get started in calligraphy.
A little information on tools, materials, techniques and resources. Question:
My first recommendation would be that you find an expert working calligrapher who is an experienced teacher, with master skills who teaches a broad range of alphabets, techniques and skills. On-line or YouTube clips will give you a bit of a start, but face to face in a class is where you will get personal attention and in-depth explanations and demonstrations. What should I learn first? You may have a purpose for or particular like of a certain style of lettering. You decide on what you want to learn first. Will it be the broad edged pen, pointed pen, monoline or brush? Historical letterforms will give you a good foundation for further development. My recommendation is to start with a Roman hand – bookhand, Uncial, or gothic. Then Italic – a formal hand is a good starting place. This script can be a little more difficult to learn as a complete beginner, so I teach a slightly modified, simpler form of italic that is easier for beginners learn. Modern Calligraphy has a completely different approach. To gain a good grounding with modern calligraphy you do still need good foundations. Modern calligraphy has evolved from either copperplate or italic letterforms, the basic forms have been bastardised or modified. The tools used are pointed pen, brush pen marker and water brushes. Gain good lettering skills, then you’ll be ahead of the crowd with the skills to develop a beautiful, skillfully written variations. In my opinion there are too many poorly written versions of “modern calligraphy” being used today. But it’s a trend and in time it’ll change and improve. Hand writing or monoline cursive script Known in the USA as American Cursive. This style has many uses, its great as a hand writing or developed further for Bullet Journaling, scrap booking and lots of other crafts. Materials: Dip pens or fountain pens? Pilot has a very good pen, the Parallel Pen. A great practice tool and entry tool for calligrapher beginners. Fountain pens are used for writing correspondence, practice and sometimes a teaching device. The inks in cartridges are not permanent for serious work meant to last and the nibs (tips) usually need to be worked a little bit (sharpened & polished). Fountain pens are sometimes used for convenience by scribes who address a lot of envelopes. In the hands of experienced scribes, fountain pens can yield beautiful results. To gain the most control and understanding of writing with a broad edged pen, learn to use and handle a dip pen. Fill the dip pen by dipping or feeding the reservoir with a brush. Metal nibs by Mitchell or Brause, Speedball are the most commonly used. Others include: Automatic, Coit. Inks / Pigments Higgins Eternal, Pelikan 4001, are good bets for beginners. Paper Bond paper that is fairly smooth and doesn’t bleed are good for practice. Artec or Canson Bond, bank and bleedproof. There is a vast array of writing surfaces including handmade paper and vellum (skin). Letterforms or Alphabets is a vast subject, therefore following I have a list of some recommended books. Books I recommend – a short list ———————-- Foundations of Calligraphy Sheila Waters ISBN-13: 978-0966530513 2006, Concealed spiral binding, Hardcover, 126pp. Publisher: JohnNeal Books Sheila Waters was an early teacher of mine both here in Australia and in the USA. I recommend this book as a BIBLE or to use as a text book. Shelia’s teaching methods resonated with me from the start and I have used her teaching techniques for decades. Sheila has earned herself the title “Queen of Calligraphy” – totally deserved too! In the 110 pages of exemplar alphabets, instruction, and tips, Sheila shares with her knowledge she has gathered over her decades of study and practice. In her book, she provides insightful analysis of forms and constructions and helps you learn and work toward mastery of the alphabets. The presentation is honed by her vast experience teaching calligraphers how to advance their skills and art. Sheila Waters is not only a master scribe, but a master teacher. She has made both her life’s work. ———————-- Scribe: Artist of the Written Word John Stevens ISBN-13:978-0-9665305-0-6 2013, Hardcover, 264pp Publisher: JohnNeal Books ———————-- The Anatomy of Letters Charles Pearce ISBN-13: 978-0800801991 1987, Paperback, 88 pp. Publisher: Taplinger Pub Co. This is a highly recommend book from a master calligraphy. I have the privilege to study with Charles on three occasions since the 1980’s. I have used his books, techniques and wisdom both in my work and to teach hundreds of students for decades. ———————-- Writing and Illuminating and Lettering Edward Johnston ISBN-13: 978-0486285344 Revised 1995, Perpaerback, 480 pp. Publisher: Dover Publications This is in depth and considered the “Bible” by a scribe who is responsible for the calligraphy revival. ———————-- Historical Scripts Stan Knight ISBN-13: 978-1884718564 1998, Hardcover, 110 pp. Publisher: Oak Knoll Press A must-have for anyone interested in learning more about writing (calligraphic styles) throughout history. The historic approach is the one laid down by Edward Johnston, and still offers great inspiration and insight into calligraphy and western writing. ———————-- Pen Lettering Ann Camp ISBN-13: 978-0800862725 1981, Paperback, 69pp. Publisher: Taplinger Publishing Company ———————-- Calligraphy School Gaynor Goffe and Anna Ravenscroft ISBN-13: 978-0895775245 1994, Hardcover, 176pp. Publisher: Readers Digest ———————-- Step-by-Step Calligraphy: A Complete Guide with Creative Projects Susan Hufton ISBN-13: 978-0806939872 1997, Paperback, 144 pp. Publisher: Sterling ———————-- The Art & Craft of Hand Lettering: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration Annie Cicale ISBN-13: 978-0615466965 Revised 2011, Paperback,192pp. Publisher: Bloomin books ———————-- The Fine Art of Letters Hermann Zapf ISBN-13: 978-0910672351 2000, Hardcover Publisher: The Grolier Club Catalogue of an exhibit at the Grolier Club by one of the great masters of all time. ———————-- The Calligraphers Handbook ISBN-13: 978-0800811983 1986, Paperback, 260 pp. Publisher: Taplinger Publishing Company A collection of articles written by many top calligraphers on methods and practice. ———————-- Contemporary Calligraphy: Modern Scribes and Lettering Artists II David Godine ISBN13: 9780879238773 1994 Publisher: David R. Godine Publisher ———————-- |
|
Location |
|