COPPERPLATE CALLIGRAPHY - Extended Studies Workshop

 Contact for more information

 Six Weeks for $250
  (plus $15 materials fee for nibs, handouts, etc.)

POINTED PEN SCRIPTS & VARIATIONS

A pointed pen can delight and surpise beyond its traditional use for writing copperplate or roundhand script. We will start the class by learning a basic alphabet, but then quickly move on to the next step of creating thick and thin strokes. You will explore how to use this versatile tool to write in a variety of styles from simple to formal, and from traditional to contemporary and funky. With time permitting we can experiment with colour mixing, writing with media other than ink, as well as lettering on different materials such as glass, wood, shells, plastic and metal. You will be able to adapt the styles you learn to camera-ready art, creating fonts/type, journaling, invitations and stationery, as well as for crafting and scrapbooking.

COPPERPLATE

This class starts from the beginning and is perfect for the beginner or someone who wants to review and refine their skill.  Since so many elements are involved and can go awry when lettering with a pen, we start with pencil and the basic letterform structures.  We move to a dip pen and and ink and progress through the miniscule and then majescule letters of the alphabet as well as numbers.  Depending on the length of a continuing workshop we can also discuss letter connections, papers, gouache, nibs, addressing and place card techniques, etc.

GOING DIGITAL

More than ever before we have the opportunity of working with clients miles away, and the importance of sending our calligraphy digitally becomes more apparent with each new project.
Some of the things you will learn in this class are the secrets of writing/lettering for reproduction, scaning your artwork for the best print results, techniques of digital touch up and layout, separating 2- or 3-colour jobs, and getting press ready, be it for offset, letterpress or engraving. After this class your printer will love you!

THE BUSINESS OF CALLIGRAPHY

Whether already in business or just gearing up to start out on your own, you will leave this class with new awareness to help you move forward, change direction, or take the leap. In addition to learning valuable information about marketing and advertising, pricing, billing, working with clients and vendors, and other important insights, there will be stimulating discussion and brainstorming to help develop your business vision and you will leave the class with greater knowledge and inspired with fresh ideas to implement for success.

NOT YO' MAMA'S PASTE PAPER

Making paste paper is like finger painting, but for adults! It makes luscious papers to use for various art projects and even to scan for digital applications. We will start with the basics of paste recipes and traditional techniques and then on to more contemporary methods of applying
the pigmented paste. Other media will be introduced as well and there will be a large amount of fun and play involved. We will discuss how to enhance and develop papers that you create as well as make a small stitched journal. At the end of the workshop you will walk away with many papers for calligraphic pieces, artist books, greeting cards, collage, and more.

A TASTE OF...

*Gold, *Silver, *Black and/or *White. Depending on the length of time available, students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a myriad of products that can be used to letter or in conjunction with lettering. Participants walk away with the experience of using various media that they may not have otherwise tried, as well as with a comprehensive visual reference. Media is provided -- gouache, acrylic, paint, pens, etc. -- as is paper and charts.

TOOLS, TRICKS & TIPS OF THE TRADE

Description under development . . .