An introduction to Gothic letterforms - each calligraphic letter is
written by using a series of separate strokes, which are like pieces of a
puzzle, that join together to form the letter. We begin by looking at how these
strokes are formed, what their sequences are, and how they work together to
form letters, words and sentences etc. This first step is achieved using adapted
pencils to draw the letters.
The next step is to familiarise you with the calligraphic pen, what it does and how it works
differently from your usual pen. This will build on the skills you have learned
with the pencil forms, but using ink and a calligraphic nib. Here you will
learn about the technicalities and differences of working with a wet ink, how
to control the ink flow, the speed of writing and many other things.
You will begin with the basic 'early' Gothic letterform (11thcentury), and following this will learn about the advanced forms of Gothic that
were developed later in the 14th Century, which are more elaborate,
decorative and slightly more complex in their design.
Further in the week you will be looking at layouts
and how to arrange your calligraphy on the page, and learn how the margins and
spaces work with each other to make something special to hang on the wall. You
will also be looking at, and using coloured papers and learning how these can enhance
your calligraphy.
Monday
Introduction
to basic tools and to basic alphabet, familiarise with dynamics of calligraphic
felt pen, and the letter shapes.
Tuesday
Getting
to know the pen and the dynamics of the Gothic alphabet and working with pen
and ink.
Wednesday
Further
lettering practice, plus looking at standard layouts and setting out the words
of a simple composition.
Thursday
Writing-up,
and setting out the completed composition and adding decorative elements to it.
Friday
Adding
finishing touches, colour, borders and/or decoration to your completed
composition.
