Dashy T

[Erica McPhee]

Far from technically accurate, but I was having fun making these T's. I also didn't do traditional stem shade but rather a full shade down the first stroke. I have to work on these a little more. I'd also like the point to be a bit finer at the start of the cross. But this was really just for fun when I was creating something.

This is actual speed.

[Erica McPhee]

This was the final.

[Roseann]

Erica! 
That's beautiful.  So light and graceful!

[Scarlet Blue]

Blimey.... that's flipping fast! I end up off the paper whenever I try something like that :-(

[thistledesignstudio]

I could watch that video for hours...so mesmerizing!    Love the finished piece too!

[Milonguera]

I'm going to try that but anticipate a broken nib and a hole or two in my paper.     Maybe this is where I break out the Nikko G armor. 

[Starlee]

Bah...who writes technically accurate anymore these days anyway? Once you have the foundations, it's fun to deviate. Great creativity!!!

[Faeleia]

Is that what dashy means? It's quite difficult to have control and speed and full arm movement. But that's the gist of ornamental penmanship which is what I have to get better at to do  This is a beautiful T!

[Lori M]

Wow -- I am so much slower! (When I try to go fast, I usually end up with the nib catching.)

I remember years ago my broad pen teacher saying that to look free and flowing, flourishes had to be done fast. Is that true with pointed pen, too, or is it different?

[Erica McPhee]

Thanks Faeleia!

dash: a word used extensively by pointed pen masters of ornamental penmanship in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to mean energetic, spirited, spontaneity, liveliness, and snap. Root word of dashing: meaning elegant, chic, dazzling, or stylish in appearance and manner.

Yes, it is difficult to have control and speed. It really takes developing the muscles in the arm and shoulder.

Lori - Yes, I definitely have to go fast or I get shaky lines. However, there has to be some control, too. This is why good, sturdy, but flexible nibs are desired. If you go too fast or if the nib catches - splat! It is also why you need to study the flourishes so your brain knows ahead of time where to go.

[Brad franklin]

Love