Author Topic: Need opinions  (Read 2981 times)

Offline Nickkih

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Need opinions
« on: February 06, 2014, 10:19:13 AM »
Any Thoughts on my work would be appreciated. I don't have a teacher but all of you are so talented - I need advice on what I need to really focus on improving. I've attached a quote I did and then I'll attach yesterday's practice. I just want to improve. But not sure if I have any talent. My husband and daughter love it but they love me. Lol
Mom, Grandma, and Calligrapher

Offline Whitney Gothra

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #1 on: February 06, 2014, 10:25:11 AM »
I just started learning calligraphy, so I'm not qualified to give you any tips or advice, but I think your work is beautiful!  I think it looks really even, and it's a joy to read.  You definitely have talent! :)

Offline Nickkih

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #2 on: February 06, 2014, 10:45:37 AM »
Thanks Whitney  :) that's very very sweet

Here is yesterday's practice
« Last Edit: February 06, 2014, 11:27:01 AM by Erica McPhee »
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Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2014, 11:09:14 AM »
Your work really is beautiful Nickki! But since you posted for critique, I'm going to really be constructive.  ;D

So, this can be a matter of personal preference, but if you want to be true to the style, I would work on squaring off the tops of your letters like t's and a's and i's. This sounds really harsh but to me, this is the biggest give away between a beginner and someone with more advanced skill.

I like how you have done the light, flourished line on the d's but with this style, they go up just a bit too high. If you bring them down just a bit, they will really work well and add a nice touch.

This is super picky, but when you begin a word with an e, the initial stroke should bring the reader into the letter (left to right). Your starting line, pulls from the right and then into the word. In some instances, this can work very effectively. But here, it gives the reader just a slight pause.

I love that you are so dedicated to your practice. This is half of it right there. So over time, you will gain wonderful line confidence and your lettering will really take on a new look from that. It is already very nice so with just a little refinement, you are there!  :)
Warm Regards,
Erica
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Offline Nickkih

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2014, 11:17:17 AM »
Omg Thank You Erica!!!! I so needed your eye on this. I'm on my way out the door but cant wait to get back and study your critique
Thank you thank you  ;) :)

Oh and sorry I posted the same pic three times. Not sure how I did that but it wasn't intentional
« Last Edit: February 06, 2014, 11:52:48 AM by Nickkih »
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Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #5 on: February 06, 2014, 11:27:37 AM »
All fixed.  ;D

I'm glad I can help!  :D
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Erica
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Offline Nickkih

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2014, 12:03:15 PM »
Erica ~ I see what you mean about the d's. Also the squaring off the t's and i's but not sure I know what you mean about squaring off the a's. Could you explain further?

I'm going to work on all these things. My line confidence is getting there but I have to stop myself from tightening my body, posture and holding the pen. It's almost like I'm afraid to let go. Also I need to work on spacing and writing slower and really taking control of my movements. I find I start to rush to get to the end of the word and it's obvious to the eye.

Again thank you so much.
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Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #7 on: February 06, 2014, 05:31:58 PM »
It's almost like I'm afraid to let go.

Yup! My family laughs at me but I do this warm up before I start (and sometimes in the middle) where I shut my eyes and swing my arm around in loops in front of me. It really helps me loosen up and "let go." I have the same problem where I need to slow down and be more conscious of what I am doing. I tend to just fly off and wing it and that means lots of do overs. So you have the right idea in terms of balancing the control with speed and relaxing.

In terms of the a, I mean the second stroke that starts like the top of a non-looped d or a t. So you make your oval, and then the second line to the right - that should be squared off at the top as well.

 :D
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Erica
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Offline Nickkih

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #8 on: February 06, 2014, 09:21:31 PM »
I took your suggestions Erica to heart and to paper :-)

What do you think?
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Offline Donna

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #9 on: February 06, 2014, 10:11:36 PM »
Wow...thats impressive!  I love your flourishes!  I thought your first one was lovely, but hardly any time has passed and you have taken Ericas advice on board for this beautiful piece.  I'm no expert but I'm clapping my hands for you!

Offline Nickkih

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2014, 10:35:43 PM »
Awe thank you Donna - that's very nice  :D
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Offline Nickkih

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2014, 11:22:39 PM »
Finished
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Offline Roseann

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #12 on: February 07, 2014, 12:32:06 AM »
This is really good! 
Roseann

“The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”   R. L. Stevenson

Offline Donna

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #13 on: February 07, 2014, 03:43:29 PM »
I'd be proud of that! :)

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Need opinions
« Reply #14 on: February 07, 2014, 11:13:32 PM »
Bravo! Nicely done! Really, really beautiful!  :)
Warm Regards,
Erica
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