Author Topic: How do you make the loop?  (Read 3526 times)

Offline ArtisticPenmanship

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How do you make the loop?
« on: August 31, 2016, 12:47:44 PM »
Hi guys, I found this forum recently and it seems we have a bunch of Spencerian enthusiasts here.
 
I've been doing some basic practice for some time and I'm starting with my sentence writing few weeks ago.
Following is my practice last week, I base my type heavily on Madarasz's Script, but also pick up something from other penmen.

The biggest struggle for me now is the upper loop, I am wondering how everyone make the loop, do you make it quick or slow?

 I make it quick to get smooth lines but sometimes I lost the form.



« Last Edit: August 31, 2016, 02:46:54 PM by ArtisticPenmanship »

Offline Rednaxela

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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2016, 03:14:50 PM »
Great question, I too struggle with this.

For what it's worth, Zaner has a rather detailed description on how to do them in his Lessons in Ornamental Penmanship, page 20.

https://archive.org/details/ZanerLessonsInOrnamentalPenmanship

And Payson, Dunton and Scribner provide a great analysis on the anatomy of the loop on page 70 of their book.

https://archive.org/details/paysonduntonscri00paysrich

All theory I know but perhaps it's still of interest.

-- Alexander --

Offline Rednaxela

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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2016, 03:17:50 PM »
BTW, I love your penmanship!
-- Alexander --

Offline AndyT

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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #3 on: August 31, 2016, 03:38:35 PM »
As do I.

My method: slow down and use some finger movement.  That was recommended to me by Brian Walker, and all I can say is that it works very well ... for him.  ;)  Seriously though, it has improved matters.

Offline SueL

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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2016, 01:20:13 AM »
love your writing.

Offline himasf

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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2016, 01:28:13 AM »
Amazing! Hope to be at your level one day. Myself I use finger movement going up & speed a little on the downstroke. I write too small to trust arm muscles do execute loops consistently the way I want them to look.

Offline schin

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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #6 on: September 01, 2016, 12:59:15 PM »
Beautiful! I hate upper loops... I loop up a little slow then loop down quick. If it works out great if not... blah..
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Offline Rednaxela

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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #7 on: November 02, 2016, 04:25:56 PM »
F.W. Tamblyn advises to pay special attention to the first stroke, making sure it is well curved and standing fairly straight. The downstroke will then more easily fall in place.

I have been practising my ascender loops this week and, for what it's worth, this seems to work for me quite well indeed.
-- Alexander --

Offline prasad

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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2016, 12:30:43 AM »
Beautiful writing. Can't help with advice as I has just started learning. Just wanted to appreciate your writing.
Look forward to see more.
Prasad
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Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2016, 09:55:47 AM »
@ArtisticPenmanship  Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing with us. In some of the old texts, they discuss speed in regard to smooth lines - too slow and they are apt to be shaky, too fast and they are apt to be sloppy. There are some recommended times in terms of so many of such and such letter per minute or word. We don't typically learn or practice as they did back then. However, your clearly a serious student and may want to consider reading some of the old texts to see if anything helps you improve your form. Although, I don't see much to improve on! But for your own comfort, you may.  ;)
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Re: How do you make the loop?
« Reply #10 on: November 08, 2016, 03:30:31 AM »
Hi @ArtisticPenmanship
Its mesmerising to look at your penmanship :D Keep posting.

- Ashok