spiral exercise for flexible pointed nib

[Ken Fraser]

Some time ago, I devised this little exercise, to make myself more familiar with the twists and turns in writing and flourishing with the flexible, pointed nib. As I believe that it's been of some benefit, I thought I'd post it here.

The change in movement from counter-clockwise to clockwise with every alternate element, accustoms the mind and hand to a sudden change of direction.

It's not difficult to execute, just a little tricky at first. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else finds it useful.

[Erica McPhee]

Excellent exercise Ken! Thank you for sharing with us. I have moved it to this board so it does not become lost in the "Open discussion." 

[ash0kgiri]

Thanks for sharing Ken.

- Ashok

[syed sha abulhassan Quadr]

Some time ago, I devised this little exercise...

Hey Ken,
Is it requires to be done by finger movement or whole arm movement?
I this this exercise will improve control and graceful lines in Miniscule specially in entry stroke of n, r, m, y etc.

What is your thoughts behind it man.?

With respect
-Syed-

[Ken Fraser]

Some time ago, I devised this little exercise...

Hey Ken,
Is it requires to be done by finger movement or whole arm movement?
I this this exercise will improve control and graceful lines in Miniscule specially in entry stroke of n, r, m, y etc.

What is your thoughts behind it man.?

With respect
-Syed-

I do it a bit larger than shown on the screen and with whole arm movement. I feel that it helped my memory (both mind and hand) in becoming used to reverse shifts in direction when flourishing. Thanks for the question.

Ken

[syed sha abulhassan Quadr]

Dear Ken.
At what speed you do this drill?

Your friend
-Syed -

[Ken Fraser]

Dear Ken.
At what speed you do this drill?

Your friend
-Syed -

It's done at a reasonable speed - certainly, not too slow. I should have added, that this is the best of around 20 attempts! If it's to be considered an exemplar, it should be as good as possible. IMHO. As with any exercise, the more often you do it, the easier and better it gets. 

[handmadeletters]

Ken, thanks for sharing! I like the quick changes in direction, definitely a worthwhile exercise for agility. If you don't mind me asking, what nib did you use to do this exercise?

I'm thinking Elaina and James would be great at this. @Raayynuh @himasf

[FlowerCityLetters]

Oo thanks for making me aware of this @handmadeletters ! I've been looking to try new movement exercises. I'm going to give this one a shot tonight .

[Ken Fraser]

.....what nib did you use to do this exercise?

It was written with an Esterbrook 357 nib.

[handmadeletters]

Thanks, Ken! Will give it a go this weekend.

Elaina, hope you'll share your results on IG or here.

[Saron]

I have to give this exercise a try. Thank you for posting Ken

[Joyce Cook]

This is definitely something I need to practice. Thanks.