This struck me as being so valid to copperplate rather like it is so valid to learning a musical instrument. Understanding the underlying concepts of the script is an essential part of producing a good result.
Without the basics or fundamentals there is no structure which is why we drill and understand things like our "basic strokes" and then the letter forms and the spacing. The principles learned from these aspects gives us a stronger foundation on which to build and saves a lot of time in the long run.
This is why I always suggest that people who are serious about developing a good of even great copperplate hand do as much study as they do practise. In this respect, self critique and honesty with oneself is a vital ingredient for a self-learner. Carrying on carrying on is not the best way forward for the serious practitioner.
This piece was done on Canson marker paper with a Leonardt Principal EF nib with walnut ink. x-heights for the main text are 5mm and 10mm although the opening majuscule is 60mm in height. I got carried away with the flourishing and ended up with some kind of bird building a nest!
