Messages

1

Tools & Supplies / Re: How often do you use your 'other' nibs?

« on: January 29, 2016, 01:36:20 PM »

I currently use two models of nib and only those two.  I've been practicing calligraphy for about a year, and so far, I've focused exclusively on Spencerian and ornamental penmanship.  I've found that the Leonardt Principal and the Tachikawa 'G' do what I want better than other nibs do, so I don't bother with others anymore.  Now, my interest is pretty specific—fine, delicate hairlines and thick, gentle swells—and I choose materials that help create those.  The Principal is relatively expensive and doesn't last very long with my use, so I often warm up by doing drills (Hi, Schin!) with the Tachikawa, which seems to last forever.  When I'm warmed up, I switch to the Principal.

Sometimes the Principal doesn't write well with difficult papers or inks/paints, and then I'll use the Tachikawa, which seems to write well with just about everything (for me, anyway).  I'll also use the Tachikawa if I want thicker hairlines for an envelope.

2

Tools & Supplies / Re: Help: My penholder stinks (literally)

« on: January 12, 2016, 02:55:36 PM »

Sounds like you need

Swell

by

matthew r.

The first fragrance exclusively for pen holders.  Available at fine retailers.  Maybe.

3

Spencerian Script / Re: To slant, or not to slant, that is the question!

« on: December 11, 2015, 07:49:25 PM »

Nice to see you here again, Jakmo.  I think you should follow your own inclination. 

Nice job.

4

Spencerian Script / Re: Spencerian drills? Resources?

« on: December 04, 2015, 09:27:08 PM »

I think many of the basic drills are fairly standard and can be found in different books.

Here's what I do: I almost always warm up with drills from Zaner's 'Lessons in Ornamental Penmanship' and/or Bloser's separate book of the same title, plus other drills I think are useful.  I do ovals (direct and indirect) on the main slant, then horizontal ovals (both directions again), then a push-pull drill on the main slant, then "infinity" drills (both directions), then a bunch of other drills.  I've recently begun following Bloser's advice (at least, I think it was his) to do them with my forearm off the table.  That's helped my control a lot.

I think the oval drills, the push-pull drill, and the "infinity" drills have helped me the most.  I'm still a beginner, though, so take all of this with a huge grain of salt.

5

Introductions / Re: Hello from Florida!

« on: November 27, 2015, 07:14:46 PM »

Welcome!  I think it's fascinating that so many students are interested in calligraphy.  I wouldn't have expected that.  Good for you for starting the club.

6

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: What are you working on improving right now?

« on: November 26, 2015, 11:35:15 PM »

The shaping and placement of shades.

Also, hairlines.

7

Tools & Supplies / Re: What nib do you suggest?

« on: November 23, 2015, 03:56:32 PM »

The Tachikawa 'G' is one of my favorites because it's smooth yet fine.

8

Introductions / Re: Greetings from the Philippines!

« on: October 25, 2015, 06:08:40 AM »

Welcome.  Which style(s) of calligraphy would you like to learn?

9

Introductions / Re: Hello from San Francisco!

« on: October 19, 2015, 04:21:00 AM »

Welcome to the forum.  It's nice to see another calligraphy addict.

10

Tools & Supplies / Re: making ink from lichen?

« on: October 18, 2015, 09:29:46 PM »

I don't think I've ever seen lichen ink.  Is there any other ink to which it could be lichened?

(So sorry.)

11

Introductions / Re: Hello from Sydney!

« on: October 16, 2015, 01:31:23 AM »

Welcome to the forum.  I'm still fairly new, but I've learned from the forum, from Schin's videos (prepare to be amazed), and from reading whatever else I could find online.

12

Word of the Day / Re: Pantomnesia

« on: October 15, 2015, 02:51:57 AM »

That entrance stroke is unexpected and fun.  I've only seen it with 'G' before.

13

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: What are you working on improving right now?

« on: October 15, 2015, 02:44:47 AM »

Making my minuscules a bit larger.  I don't yet have the skill to shade accurately when they're small.

14

Introductions / Re: Fountain pen user who discovered some vintage Gillott nibs

« on: October 13, 2015, 06:04:50 PM »

Welcome.  It's a slippery slope.  I started with a fountain pen around the beginning of the year, and now I have all sorts of supplies.  Your wallet is doomed.  I think you'll love it.

15

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: You know you're a calligrapher when...

« on: October 07, 2015, 02:22:04 AM »

...you get a rope burn on your hand while doing yard work, and think "It's my non-calligraphy hand.  I'll be OK."