Gothic or Old English Lettering - 2 days - Beginners to Advanced
The evolution of this hand is a fascinating study, as national influences and the narrowing of the forms created dense black text.
The Foundational Hand was continually condensed to save space, and eventually all curves had to be eliminated.
This hand can be fairly simple, or become more complicated as variations are used in the serifs and entry strokes, and reintroducing subtle curves.
Early Bookhand - 2 days - Beginners to Advanced
Carolingian scripts were developed in the ninth century and are considered to be the first true miniscules.
The Foundational or Bookhand was developed as a later adaptation of Carolingian.
Historic forms were written relatively small with large interlinear spacing. This lively rhythmic hand has a subtle beauty and a bounce that is very useful for writing long pieces of text, but lends itself well in any case.
As you can see in the sample below, many variations of size and shape can be developed from this letter style.
Broad Edged Brush 2 Days
All Levels
A chisel edged, or flat brush is one of the oldest tools used to write calligraphy. The Roman capitals in classical inscriptions were first written using a flat brush.
Using various exercises participants will become acquainted with the marvelous versatility and flexibility of the broad edge brush.
Almost any letter style can be recreated using the chisel edge brush. The brush add a subtlety and nuances that make the forms spring to life.
A basic italic form will be taught first, and then expressive variations. Participants will be encouraged to experiment with other letter styles.
How to Embellish 2 Days (Preferred) Intermediate to Advanced
We all have an innate desire to decorate and embellish. Even early scribes were known to have added lines to their writing which were superfluous.These extraneous strokes evolved into flourishes which over time became more and more elaborate.
The word flourish is defined as: to write with sweeping or ornamental strokes and is derived from the Latin Florere which means to bloom. A good flourish should be like a flower blooming forth from the letter.
We will analyze the many elements that can be used to create flourishes working on methods that will enable the participants to create beautiful and elegant strokes. The various types of flourishes will be studied, how they relate to different letter styles, and how to apply them.
Studying flourishes and swashes will result in improvement of your regular calligraphic work as you become acquainted with the rhythm and elegant motion needed to execute a beautiful embellishment to your letters.
Bookhand - 2 day - Beginner to Advanced.
The study of this hand gives the calligrapher a solid understanding of the shapes of good letters, and the stroke patterns which constitute the letter forms of every other hand.
Once learned, the calligrapher will have the tools to become proficient in every other letter form.
Often overlooked, this letter style can be very versatile. Like all basic letterforms, it lends itself to modification and experiment.
GOTHIC CURSIVE 2 days - Beginner to Advanced
Also referred to as Gothic Cursive or Compressed Hand, this gives the impression of Black Letter, but has a more contemporary, and lively presentation.
It still maintains its Medieval flavor but is lighter in tone and offers opportuniites for more decoration and flourishing.
This letter form can give you the rich texture of a gothic form but allow the work to have a more lively contemporary feeling.
Variations on a Theme2 Days (Preferred) Intermediate to Advanced
Participants should have some acquaintance with the basic form of italic. The italic letter form is one of 
the most
versatile hands available to the calligrapher, but it can also be one of the most complicated letter styles to work with since there are so many attributes to consider.
By altering the pen angle, the amount of pressure, the pen ratio, the slope of the letters, the roundness of the form, the shape of the counters, etc., one can create a myriad of different styles. Because of the many subtleties of this letter form, it is very easy to fall into bad habits.
To begin with, we will review a formal italic, striving to improve on the basic hand and to develop consistency and rhythm.
We will then begin to explore some of the possible variations you can create by altering these attributes.
The choices are endless and exciting. You will begin developing your own letter styles.
If preferred, this class can be geared for Beginners also.
Page 1 - Creative Classes Page 2 - Lettering Classes Page 3 - Schedule of Classes
From A to Z
2 Days (Preferred) All levels
The following are Lettering Workshops that cover the basic and historic forms of the letter style and progress into modifications. Understanding the basic structure is a prerequisite to developing modern interpretations.
FOUNDATIONAL - The study of this hand gives the calligrapher a solid
understanding of the stroke patterns which constitute the letter forms of every other hand. Often overlooked, this letter style can be very versatile, especially when modified.
ROMANS - Knowledge of the proper proportions of Roman capitals is essential as it relates
to the character of all other capital letters. We will progress from the skeleton forms,
through san serif forms, serif styles and modifications of all these.
UNCIAL - This letter form is another versatile addition to the calligrapher's pallet. Modernized Uncials provide a wide range of possibilities.
CAROLINGIAN - This lively rhythmic hand has a subtle beauty that is very useful for writing long pieces of text.
BLACK LETTER or GOTHIC - The evolution of this hand is a fascinating study, as national influences and the narrowing of the forms created dense black text.
GOTHICIZED ITALIC - This letter form can give you the rich texture of a gothic form but allow
the work to have a more lively contemporary feeling.
VERSALS - In this workshop we will study the historic form of Lombardic Versals . If time allows, we will progress to explorations of modern illuminated letters. see Vivacious Versals below.
POINTED PEN2 Days (Preferred) Intermediate to Advanced
Becoming accustomed to the pressure and release technique of this letter style takes practice, but the results are well worth the effort.
Often referred to as Copperplate, the pen and lettering can be adapted to modern interpretations. We will explore some of the many interesting possibilities.
VARIATIONS ON A THEME - ITALIC2 Days (Preferred) Intermediate to Advanced
Participants should have some acquaintance with a basic form of italic. The italic letter form is one of the most
versatile hands available to the calligrapher, but it can also be one of the most complicated letter styles to work with since there are so many attributes to consider.
By altering the pen angle, the amount of pressure, the pen ratio, the slope of the letters, the roundness of the form, the shape of the counters, etc., one can create a myriad of different styles. Because of the many subtleties of this letter form, it is very easy to fall into bad habits.
To begin with, we will review a formal italic, striving to improve on the basic hand and to develop consistency and rhythm.
We will then begin to explore some of the possible variations you can create by altering these attributes.
The choices are endless and exciting. You will begin developing your own letter styles.
Pointed Brush 2 Days All Levels
The pointed brush is a wonderfully versatile tool. With this one tool, you can create very precise yet flowing forms that resemble copperplate, as well as expressive contemporary styles with heavier weight and character.
We will begin with a series of exercises to acquaint the participants with the characteristics of the brush and a basic italic letter form will be taught.. We will then explore some of the exciting variations that are possible with this tool.
2 Days All Levels
A brush is one of the oldest tools used to write calligraphy. The Roman capitals in classical inscriptions were first written using a flat brush.
Using various exercises participants will become acquainted with the marvelous versatility and flexibility of the broad edge brush.
Almost any letter style can be recreated using the chisel edge brush. The brush add a subtlety and nuances that make the forms spring to life. A basic italic form will be taught first, and then expressive variations. Participants will be encouraged to experiment with other letter styles
2 Days (Preferred) Intermediate to Advanced
We all have an innate desire to decorate and embellish. Even early scribes were known to have added lines to their writing which were superfluous.These extraneous strokes evolved into flourishes which over time became more and more elaborate.
The word flourish is defined as: to write with sweeping or ornamental strokes and is derived from the Latin Florere which means to bloom. A good flourish should be like a flower blooming forth from the letter.
We will analyze the many elements that can be used to create flourishes working on methods that will enable the participants to create beautiful and elegant strokes. The various types of flourishes will be studied, how they relate to different letter styles, and how to apply them. Studying flourishes and swashes will result in improvement of your regular calligraphic work.
Vivacious Versals and Modern Marvels 2 Days Intermediate to Advanced
Want to have fun while adding some funky yet useful letters to your work? Learn how to design and develop your own modern interpretations of the versal letters.
Versals are the letters used to indicate the beginning of a verse or emphasize a portion of text. Over time, the beginning or initial letters of text were made larger and/or colored to separate divisions in the text, headings, and new chapters. As these letters became more and more elaborate, embellishments such as flowers, figures, animals, various patterns and/or gold were added.
Versals were designed to be used as illuminated letters but majuscules from any letter style can be used. By enlarging or distorting the form, one can create areas to be filled with designs or patterns.The decoration added to letters can be as simple or as ornate as you like. Though the decorative elements should complement the text and create a cohesive unit.
They are usually exaggerated in some way. They can be used as portions of titles or anywhere you wish to add a little impact. We will study a simple versal form and then explore tricks and ways to create your own variations.
Page 1 - Creative Classes Page 2 - Lettering Classes Page 3 - Schedule of Classes
From A to Z
2 Days (Preferred) All levels
The following are Lettering Workshops that cover the basic and historic forms of the letter style and progress into modifications. Understanding the basic structure is a prerequisite to developing modern interpretations.
FOUNDATIONAL - The study of this hand gives the calligrapher a solid understanding of the stroke patterns which constitute the letter forms of every other hand. Often overlooked, this letter style can be very versatile, especially when modified.
ROMANS - Knowledge of the proper proportions of Roman capitals is essential as it relates to the character of all other capital letters. We will progress from the skeleton forms, through san serif forms, serif styles and modifications of all these.
UNCIAL - This letter form is another versatile addition to the calligrapher's pallet. Modernized Uncials provide a wide range of possibilities.
CAROLINGIAN - This lively rhythmic hand has a subtle beauty that is very useful for writing long pieces of text.
BLACK LETTER or GOTHIC - The evolution of this hand is a fascinating study, as national influences and the narrowing of the forms created dense black text.
GOTHICIZED ITALIC - This letter form can give you the rich texture of a gothic form but allow
the work to have a more lively contemporary feeling.
VERSALS - In this workshop we will study the historic form of Lombardic Versals . If time allows, we will progress to explorations of modern illuminated letters. see Vivacious Versals below.
POINTED PEN2 Days (Preferred) Intermediate to Advanced
Becoming accustomed to the pressure and release technique of this letter style takes practice, but the results are well worth the effort.
Often referred to as Copperplate, the pen and lettering can be adapted to modern interpretations. We will explore some of the many interesting possibilities.
VARIATIONS ON A THEME - ITALIC2 Days (Preferred) Intermediate to Advanced
Participants should have some acquaintance with a basic form of italic. The italic letter form is one of the most
versatile hands available to the calligrapher, but it can also be one of the most complicated letter styles to work with since there are so many attributes to consider.
By altering the pen angle, the amount of pressure, the pen ratio, the slope of the letters, the roundness of the form, the shape of the counters, etc., one can create a myriad of different styles. Because of the many subtleties of this letter form, it is very easy to fall into bad habits.
To begin with, we will review a formal italic, striving to improve on the basic hand and to develop consistency and rhythm.
We will then begin to explore some of the possible variations you can create by altering these attributes.
The choices are endless and exciting. You will begin developing your own letter styles.
Pointed Brush 2 Days All Levels
The pointed brush is a wonderfully versatile tool. With this one tool, you can create very precise yet flowing forms that resemble copperplate, as well as expressive contemporary styles with heavier weight and character.
We will begin with a series of exercises to acquaint the participants with the characteristics of the brush and a basic italic letter form will be taught.. We will then explore some of the exciting variations that are possible with this tool.
2 Days All Levels
A brush is one of the oldest tools used to write calligraphy. The Roman capitals in classical inscriptions were first written using a flat brush.
Using various exercises participants will become acquainted with the marvelous versatility and flexibility of the broad edge brush.
Almost any letter style can be recreated using the chisel edge brush. The brush add a subtlety and nuances that make the forms spring to life. A basic italic form will be taught first, and then expressive variations. Participants will be encouraged to experiment with other letter styles
2 Days (Preferred) Intermediate to Advanced
We all have an innate desire to decorate and embellish. Even early scribes were known to have added lines to their writing which were superfluous.These extraneous strokes evolved into flourishes which over time became more and more elaborate.
The word flourish is defined as: to write with sweeping or ornamental strokes and is derived from the Latin Florere which means to bloom. A good flourish should be like a flower blooming forth from the letter.
We will analyze the many elements that can be used to create flourishes working on methods that will enable the participants to create beautiful and elegant strokes. The various types of flourishes will be studied, how they relate to different letter styles, and how to apply them. Studying flourishes and swashes will result in improvement of your regular calligraphic work.
Vivacious Versals and Modern Marvels 2 Days Intermediate to Advanced
Want to have fun while adding some funky yet useful letters to your work? Learn how to design and develop your own modern interpretations of the versal letters.
Versals are the letters used to indicate the beginning of a verse or emphasize a portion of text. Over time, the beginning or initial letters of text were made larger and/or colored to separate divisions in the text, headings, and new chapters. As these letters became more and more elaborate, embellishments such as flowers, figures, animals, various patterns and/or gold were added.
Versals were designed to be used as illuminated letters but majuscules from any letter style can be used. By enlarging or distorting the form, one can create areas to be filled with designs or patterns.The decoration added to letters can be as simple or as ornate as you like. Though the decorative elements should complement the text and create a cohesive unit.
They are usually exaggerated in some way. They can be used as portions of titles or anywhere you wish to add a little impact. We will study a simple versal form and then explore tricks and ways to create your own variations.
Expressive Brush Lettering - 
2 Days All Levels
The pointed brush is a wonderfully versatile tool.
There are two types of pointed brush - watercolor brushes, and oriental brushes. Each has a flavor all its own, and can open up all kinds of possibilities.
With this one tool, you can create very precise yet flowing forms that resemble copperplate, as well as expressive contemporary styles with heavier weight and character.
The brush is also a great tool for writing on materials other than paper. It works well on canvas, fabrics, collages, etc.
We will begin with a series of exercises to acquaint the participants with the characteristics of the brush and a basic italic letter form will be taught.
We will then explore some of the exciting variations that are possible with this tool.
Copperplate2 Days (Preferred) Beginners to Advanced
Pointed Pen lettering is often referred to as Copperplate.
This pen requires becoming accustomed to the pressure and release technique to create the thicks and thins that make this pen so versatile.
Originally used for formal lettering, there are an infinite number of variations possible. The pen and lettering can be adapted to a myriad of modern interpretations.
We will explore some of the many interesting possibilities.
View the Cat's a Mystery piece in the Nature Gallery.
Capitals - 2 days - Beginners to Advanced
Romans combine great strength and a quiet elegance.
Knowledge of the proper proportions of Roman capitals is essential since all other capital letters are based in some part on them.
We will progress from the skeleton of the classical Romans so as to understand the geometry that gives them their elegance and strenght.
We will then explore san serif forms, serif styles and modifications of all these.
Understanding all that makes this letter style will enhance your understanding of all other forms.
Insular Lettering 2 days - Beginners to Advanced
This letter form is another versatile addition to the calligrapher's pallet.
Developed in the Islands of Scotland and Ireland (thus insular) and influenced by the Roman letter styles, it became a popular letter style to use for religious texts.
This is a majuscule letter form - with no miniscules and is written with a fairly flat pen angle.
Half-uncial is a later development, which requires a bit of pen manipulation.
Modernized Uncials provide a wide range of possibilities. Modern simple forms are rounded, with few pen angle changes. Versions based on historical forms are more complex and require much more manipulation. All of these forms have a beautiful rhythm and adaptability
Decorative Capitals 2 to - 2 1/2 days (preferred) Intermediate to Advanced
In this workshop we will study the historic form of Versals or Lombardic Capitals.
The term versal refers to the fact that these letters were used to introduced verses in the Bible.
They historically started as simple larger letters, but eventually became large parts of the page with extensive decoration, gold, and vine work emerging from them.
These letters can be as simple or elaborate as the work requires.
The Lombardic Capitals are elegant forms that lend themselves beautifully to decoration and embellishment.
If time allows, we will progress to explorations of modern illuminated letters. see Vivacious Versals for an explanation and sample.
View also the Beatitudes in the Inspirational/Biblical gallery.
