Topics

1

Kind Critique / Asking for feedback

« on: July 15, 2020, 08:38:26 AM »

Was hoping for some feedback from the forum on my minuscules.  I know the shading isn't as consistent as I'd like and there's still a bit of wobble in my ascender loops...I've only been back to practicing Copperplate for the last few weeks.  I haven't done calligraphy in some time due to time constraints, but I now find I have more time to practice.

The following was written on HP 32# Premium LJ paper using Higgins Eternal with a bit of ga and a Leonardt Principal nib.  x height is 6mm.

Thank you all in advance for your suggestions.

Regards,
GSC

2

Tools & Supplies / When do you retire a nib?

« on: July 13, 2020, 01:05:17 PM »

Just wondering what each of you consider the no-turning-back point is for a nib and why (other than the most obvious like bent tines, rust, etc)?  What are the things that happen to a given nib that make you toss it?

Also wondering what type of life expectancy you typical see for common nibs (new stock, not vintage) like the Leonardt Principle, Hunt 101, Brause 66EF and blue pumpkin.

Best, GSC

3

Tools & Supplies / Question regarding Yasutomo Sumi Ink

« on: July 06, 2020, 03:23:26 PM »

Hello all, new member here but would like to ask for some guidance regarding this ink.  I have read countless reviews of this ink being used for calligraphy and especially copperplate, all of which were quite positive, so decided to give it a try.  Unless I received a bad bottle, I found it unusable for copperplate.  I couldn't get a decent hairline regardless what I tried with the ink straight from the bottle.  I tried several nibs including a Leonardt Principal, Hunt 101, a blue pumpkin and even a Brause 66 EF!.  So I said to myself, let's try thinning it.... that didn't work.  So then I said to myself, let's try some gum arabic with ink straight from the bottle.... that didn't work....then I tried thinning and THEN adding some gum arabic... and that didn't work.  I also tried several different papers that work fine with my other inks and that wasn't the problem either.

Any insight, tips, comments, secrets would be greatly appreciated.  Since I don't do Sumi calligraphy, this bottle (which is almost full) just might end up in the dust bin....

Thanks in advance y'all.
GSC

4

Introductions / Hello from Coastal North Carolina

« on: July 06, 2020, 01:32:06 PM »

Hello all, just wanted to pop in here to say hello and do an introduction.  I've been an on-again off-again calligraphy hobbyist for some time now and am currently back into it.  Ran across this forum and knew I had to join!  Tons of great info and I hope I can add at least some small bit of knowledge at some point to this forum.

Thanks for the the opportunity to join!

Best,
GSC