Messages

1

Tools & Supplies / Re: Shellac based ink

« on: March 19, 2014, 05:03:36 PM »

I got a couple of these last year as a present, and wasn't able to use them until I tried to make a sort of wash with them. Mixing them with a significant amount of water made it so I could actually write. Used pure, I find that they either pool on the nib, or just blob on the page, but they don't flow properly. Diluted, it was ok.
I used several nib sizes, and it worked ok from 5mm to 0.5mm.

Here's a sample:

2

Introductions / Re: Hi from the UK

« on: March 18, 2014, 07:05:19 PM »

Hi Ken! It's really nice to see you again!

3

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Re: Some inspiration...

« on: March 13, 2014, 01:29:23 PM »

Martin, I in no way am being critical - I have no room to do so... I'm a very, very newbie.  My "D's" may never look as good as this one.  I simply don't like the look of the letter D.  Same goes for L.  *shrug*  Just an off handed observation.

I don't see any problem with that, really. It's a matter of taste. It's probably still a good idea to practice it, as it's part of the script, but nothing prevents you from using other forms for both 'D' and 'L'.

You can see alternate forms for both by one of the greatest ornamental penmen ever (Madarász) below:




Maybe you'll like those better.

Cheers,
 Martín

4

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Re: Some inspiration...

« on: March 13, 2014, 12:53:05 PM »

The Lupfer script is very interesting.  I am no expert, but it looks like a hybrid between copperplate and Spencerian.  The miniscules look like copperplate to me, while the majuscules look with Spencerian, with the wedge shaped descenders.

it is precisely that, with some liberties taken on the copperplate ('t' cross-bars, some 'd's).

5

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Re: Some inspiration...

« on: March 13, 2014, 10:20:00 AM »

Thanks for sharing this <3 So consistent! I love it BTW Martin, where can I find the calligraphy group in Facebook?

Thanks!

The group can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/calligraphists/

6

Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Re: Practising for consistency

« on: March 13, 2014, 10:18:17 AM »

I thought Italic was supposed to be written in a 30° angle? Now I'm confused.

For italic the nib is usually held so that it is at a 45º from the baseline. The slant itself is usually between 5 and 15º from the vertical. I tend to over-slant a bit.

7

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Re: Some inspiration...

« on: March 13, 2014, 10:16:52 AM »

Yuck!  Nope.  Sorry to disagree.  I just don't like the letter, I guess.

I'm not sure I understand what you meant, but is it so that you don't like the Spencerian/OP type 'D'? It is indeed quite unlike a 'D' in most other scripts...
I was not very fond of it either, but appreciation has come as time passes. It's not particularly hard to pen, either... just takes a bit of practice.

8

Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Re: Practising for consistency

« on: March 10, 2014, 06:00:49 AM »

Wow, lovely!

I'd like to tackle Italic, but after working with the oblique holder and the pointed pen, I just can't seem to get the angle on the broad edge pen right, haha

You should give it a go... it's such a versatile script! Also, the 45º angle comes very naturally, really.

9

Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Re: Practising for consistency

« on: March 10, 2014, 02:11:53 AM »

I am going to hit Italic soon. I have dabbled in in. I am thinking of taking a class from  Reggie Ezall  in the next few weeks. We will see. But nice job Martin

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!! Don't forget to post!

10

Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Re: Practising for consistency

« on: March 09, 2014, 02:16:52 PM »

That is some gorgeous Italic! 

I used to but now I only do them if it's been awhile and I'm rusty. 

I know... I do the same, but it still helps. Also, I feel a bit hypocritical telling people starting out to "do their drills", and then not doing mine
And thanks!

11

Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Practising for consistency

« on: March 09, 2014, 09:10:10 AM »

Some italic drills, working on the fundamentals...



Do you guys do these often?

12

Spencerian Script / Re: "An ornamental Handwriting is a nuisance!"

« on: March 06, 2014, 06:06:13 AM »

I didn't retain anything of what it says... but it's oh so pretty!

13

Brush Calligraphy / Re: First try with a brush...

« on: March 06, 2014, 06:03:46 AM »

Thanks, everyone!

14

Spencerian Script / Re: Some Spencerian practice...

« on: March 06, 2014, 06:03:17 AM »

Oh that's just lovely, Martin! I never tried Spencerian before. I think I should try it sometime. 

Thanks! You should definitely try it! It's a very nice script, and you can "make it yours" without it losing its defining characteristics. Plus, it's fun!

15

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: oblique vs straight holders

« on: February 24, 2014, 05:05:01 PM »

Erica - you hit the nail on the head! That's why I don't like the wooden expensive one I got, it's too something. It's beautiful but I just can't get it to work in my hand. And I think your absolutely right. I will stick with the straight and progress. Because I do feel its holding me back trying to master both. Thanks again Erica :-)

I prefer an oblique, but both Copperplate and Spencerian can be done with straight holders. One thing to consider is that you might not have a properly setup oblique, and that might complicate things. The speedball plastic holder is worth about as much as it costs (i.e. not much!). For the ones with a metal flange, you should set it up correctly, and make sure that the nib is properly seated, too. Joe Vitolo has a couple of videos on this topic on the IAMPETH website, if you're interested.