the Art Penman

[Erica McPhee]

I saw this in an old Business Journal. I really like the outlined look and thought I would give it a try. What do you think? Does it detract or add to the calligraphy?

[KacyBG]

Love it!!!! Encore!!!!

[Erica McPhee]

Thanks so much @KacyBG ! 

[Gary]

Although beautifully executed Erica, I personally find that it detracts from the intrinsic beauty of the style, particularly the crispness of the lines.
Sorry !

Gary

[JanisTX]

I love it!  But, what do I know? I love all things bright, shiny, & “sparkly”!  It’s very pretty!

[AnasaziWrites]

I saw this in an old Business Journal. I really like the outlined look and thought I would give it a try. What do you think? Does it detract or add to the calligraphy?

Your own decorated letters you used in the Valentine's Day exchange are much better.
It's fun to play around with such things, though.

[Erica McPhee]

Thanks for the honest feedback @Gary @JanisTX and @AnasaziWrites ! It's so interesting to see how people respond to different work. I noticed this type of outlining or shadowing in quite a bit of engrossing work in the old journals. This one here is particularly "busy" as it hints at or slightly mimics Acanthus leaves. Whereas the shadowing or highlighting on the "Rapid Writing" caps I did on my Valentine's was just straight lines.

Thank you for your kind words @AnasaziWrites about my Valentine alphabet. Although very busy, I think because it is limited to the capitals, it still helps the crispness of the lines as Gary mentioned to stand out.

Definitely enjoying playing with these techniques.

[Zivio]

Omigosh, Erica!  The outlining on those Valentines is really a visual treat!  I didn't want to say anything negative about the first sample you'd posted -- maybe in the right place or context it could be effective? 

But the way it works on the names is very, very nice. It's not clear to me whether this is because of the all-caps treatment of the names, or because they are single words, but it's a great lettering variation and brings originality* to the appearance. 

* Yeah, I know it's old timey. 

[Erica McPhee]

Thanks! I think the first sample is hit or miss as it is busy and while I like the frilly look of it, for some it can be too busy.

Also, that one uses the hint of acanthus leaf while the all caps one is just straight lines. Plus I think the boldness of the all caps can handle the distraction, if you will, a bit better.