Modern Calligraphy Resources

Calligraphy Practice

I’ve been enjoying listening to Arabella while I practice calligraphy; an old diversion which has recently taken on new force and form following my discovery of all the modern calligraphy resources that are now available online. I love the movement of this novel style, the way letters bounce and shrink in lively (if done right) harmony. Digital fonts have made even steven scripts somewhat superfluous and commonplace, I think, though no less impressive*. I have also been seduced by the knowledge that I am not limited to using India ink which has the indelible habit of getting everywhere. The smell of my little pots of gouache transport me back to primary school art classes. Not an unhappy association, and rather appropriate to my current novitiate.

* I have recently discovered some darling computer fonts in the modern calligraphic style: Octavia, SignatureHollyhock & Dago are my favourites!

Blue Gouachemodern calligraphybrause 66EF

Here are some wonderful resources I’ve discovered for learning calligraphy:

RELATED:  writing journal: bath (part 2)

Gouache Calligraphy

While I am clearly a padawan of penmanship, I do have a few recommendations:

  • If you find that your ink looks spotty on the nib, take some time to try one of the methods outlined in Dr. Vitolo’s book for preparing a new nib. I had best success with toothpaste.
  • I know one’s instinct is to instantly order all the wonderful paraphernalia – nibs, inks, papers, pen holders, etc. – but I would urge against it. My advice is to break down the learning into sections. First, get a sense of how letters are formed, then practice with a pencil, and then a brush-tip marker. The worksheets from The Postman’s Knock break the process down very nicely.
  • Find calligraphic fonts that you like and practice their alphabets. You can begin by printing the letters out and tracing them.
  • Keep a reference of letter shapes you like.

Blue Calligraphy

P.S. Arabella is very enjoyable and makes me long to have a dog.


Free this week on Skillshare…


An Online Skillshare Class by Bryn Chernoff
Roses, book & quill
Write now...
The
One Page
Novel
keys
Online Course
Learn to Plot
Your Novel
on One Page
Roses, book & quill
Lady Writer

I write about literature, language, love, and living off your pen. Also, fortifying fiction, personal amelioration, and tea.

Roses, book & quill
Instagram
Roses, book & quill
Learn from a master
Roses, book & quill
Thank you for Sharing!
Roses, book & quill
3 ONLINE WRITING COURSES
to level up your craft...
01. Plot
keys

Structure your story on one page.

02. Character
apple

Build a framework for stronger characters.

03. Worldbuilding
compasses

Construct a model of your story world.

Your plot, your character & your story world... on ONE PAGE.

NEIL GAIMAN'S WRITING MASTERCLASS. LEARN MORE. MARGARET ATWOOD MASTERCLASS.

This page contains affiliate links which help support the site.

Angie Makes Feminine WordPress Themes
Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 7,636 other subscribers.