Messages

616

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Double ascenders, double descenders

« on: May 18, 2014, 12:20:23 PM »

I would love to see in one place (where would that be on the Forum?) examples of double ascenders and double descenders, and some of the possible variations and combinations we encounter.  It occurred to me when writing "Joyful" just how awkward the 'yf' combination can look.  Is there a good printed resource for this information, or can some of you post pictures and ideas where we can see? 

Thanks!

Debbie

617

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: What is your current favorite letters?

« on: May 18, 2014, 11:45:57 AM »

In the majuscules, I really love C, G, H and S.  I'm vexed by the proportions of B, P and R. 

618

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Your Instagrams

« on: May 11, 2014, 05:20:40 PM »

You can find me as Milonguera.  I'm a newbie and welcome any comments that would help me. 

619

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Tools for Learning, Troubleshooting and a Whole Lot More

« on: April 23, 2014, 05:21:55 PM »

Thank all of you who have answered and offered such valuable insights.  It's truly an honor to be entering such a thoughtful and generous community. 

620

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Tools for Learning, Troubleshooting and a Whole Lot More

« on: April 22, 2014, 04:45:20 PM »

Thanks Heebs--you've offered a lot!  I know it took some time to put that all together, and I really appreciate the links, too.   

621

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Tools for Learning, Troubleshooting and a Whole Lot More

« on: April 22, 2014, 11:33:21 AM »

Hi All,

I recognize some of you are not only accomplished calligraphers, but brilliant and talented artists as well.  As someone still in the early stages of learning calligraphy, I have some questions I hope you lovely people can help provide answers.  I've taken a few classes and have gone through online tutorials but my questions are practical in nature, and not quite so much about drawing letters. 

Habits:
What have you found are helpful habits to develop; some 'bad' but natural things to avoid?

Tools:
I've been practicing on Rhodia paper and especially like the dots.  Any recommendations for colored paper--sometimes I just want color!?  I'm using Walnut Ink and gouache.

Nibs I have are the Nikko G--it was recommended for class.  I find it very reliable and kind of fun when I'm writing big.  I love the Principle EF, but broke my plastic holder and can't seem to make it work in any others.  The obvious answer is to replace the holder but I don't want to put any more money in plastic that'll only break again, so... thoughts??  Then I bought a Hiro 40 in a kit but either damaged it or don't have the right holder for it/my hand combo.  But oh!  What presence that nib has!  Last, I really enjoy the flexibility of the Brause 66EF but don't know what holder it should be in, if it's 'right' or just what.  But it's the cutest little thing--makes me smile just looking at it.   I'm looking for sophisticated and elegant lines a little more than 'fun.' 

I've encountered some problems such as puddles of ink when the tines of a nib are spread, or catching on the upstrokes,   So I'd like to know
--How do I find the right nib/holder combination?
--How do I tell if a nib was faulty at purchase or if I've damaged it -- or if I just don't have the right holder/ink/paper combination?

Is it me or does a nib need to warm up for a few minutes before you can determine if it's working?  Sometimes I'll sit and pick up a pen and from the first stroke, every one is just fine.  Other times I'll have to change pens/nibs before I get a combo that works.  What's up with that?!?

Technique and Learning: 
I saw an exemplar somewhere that was highly touted by experienced calligraphers but it looks childish and amateur to me.  So when looking at contemporary calligraphy, how do we determine what is quality work vs. something that's just fun or charming?  I know there has been some discussion about learning the fundamentals first (I'm all for that!) but I don't know yet how to 'see' it in some hands...  I'll look at something I've done and think, "Wow, This looks pretty good!"  Then I'll look at again in different light or a few weeks later, and think, "Oh boy...what a mess."  But to the untrained eye (friends, my kids, or my dear husband), it's 'really pretty.'  But compared to some of the things I've seen out there, I can't tell a whole lot of difference.  I pray someone can teach me to 'see.' 

Lastly, What thoughts might any of you have on teachers and classes, vs. books and some of the amazing video tutorials available on the web?  What qualifies someone to teach calligraphy?  We do have a guild here, but I haven't joined yet.  Yes, yes, my dears.  It's on the list.  ;o) 

Debbie

622

Introductions / Hi from Atlanta

« on: April 05, 2014, 08:08:39 AM »

Hello Everyone,

I'm Debbie Martin from Atlanta.  I've always been a doodler, but not so much with letters, but I became a calligraphy didactic when I HAD to have calligraphy on my wedding invitations.  Ha!  I've since done 2 other family weddings and now, it's time to really learn.  Thank goodness those invitations are long gone. 

In January, I started taking lessons with Anne Elser and we are just about finished with our second series of classes--first Italic, and now, Copperplate.  Before moving on to other hands, I think it's time to practice and develop.  I'd love any comments and/or suggestions on learning ways that have worked for others who practice this lovely art form.