Learning Foundational Calligraphy

Lettering Foundational calligraphy seems easier because it is based on the circular O. Also of course it takes lots of practice!

Sheila Waters book, Foundations of Calligraphy is helpful; she has an analytic approach. Sheila studied at the Royal College of Art, London.

Because it was available in 1999, Italic was my first calligraphic hand, taught by The Houston Calligraphy Guild through their Tutorial Program. Simply put, Italic letters are narrow, written on a slant. Using a keystroke we can make anything we type Italic. See Exploring Italic Here: https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2016/08/exploring-italic-calligraphy.html

I tried learning Foundational on my own; then I benefited from a Summer Study class with Karla Hamilton: White Vine Letters and the Foundational Hand. 
See my blog on White Vine letters: https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2016/03/creating-white-vine-letters.html

I practiced all summer, working toward this finished project. 

I have since enjoyed Foundational as my go-to hand but I know I am not perfect. What makes calligraphy so much fun is trying to master the form.

Practice, practice and more practice - fun on a winter's day... 





Below: I try writing using 4 pen nib widths for lower case and 7 nib widths for ascenders & capitals.

If you would like to share your thoughts with me - please let me know in the comments below.

Have a very Merry Christmas!!!

©Anne Rita Taylor 2016

The Workshop Experience

Not too far from my home I have book-binding and calligraphy workshops. Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, with many workshops each year or semester-long classes too. 

My thoughts on how to enjoy excellent art or craft workshops:

---Teacher attributes:

• Handout with good instructions for what we are doing.
• Thoroughly qualified - can respond intelligently to questions.
• Shares about their background, perhaps with photos.
• Provides samples of past work & samples of what we are doing.
• Gives individual attention besides the group discussion.

---Group conditions:

• Minimal amount of supplies needed; I’d rather have a supply fee than lug supplies.
• Ease of participants talking quietly, but not too noisy either.

---Space:

• Enough private area in front of each student.
• A comfortable seat (I also bring a pillow).
• Not too cold and not too hot inside (I dress in layers).

Wonderful book-binding workshops are taught at The Printing Museum, either paid classes or at meetings of the Houston Book Arts Guild which meets there too.

About 3 or 4 calligraphy workshops each year are sponsored by The Houston Calligraphy Guild; we have teachers from Belgium to California coming in to teach.

Please let me know your thoughts about workshops; what works for you?

©Anne Rita Taylor 2016