Broad-edged pen: Roman Capitals

Description

In this workshop we make Roman capitals with the broad-edged pen, both small and large, formal and informal, single stroke and double stroke. We focus on good proportions, the technique of applying serifs, attention to detail and quality of form. All of this is done in a slow, concentrated manner of writing. We use pen techniques like pressure/release and pen twisting, to obtain the desired letter shapes. We practice letters with character and strive for sophisticated calligraphy with refinement and lively detail.

Supplies

• A3/11 x 17″ 90 grams paper (good quality non-bleeding paper: paper with some texture/’tooth’ (Blocks like Canson Croquis or Fabriano Skizzi, other brands are possible as well), but layout paper is also good: I use Daler Rowney 45 grams.
  You will use an A3/11 x 17″ paper sheet with guidelines (which I will provide as a pdf), so the paper needs to be light enough for the guidelines to show through.
• Some tubes of gouache and/or watercolors (preferably darker colors), maybe ink if that is your preference (I use Pelikan 4001), but be careful that it doesn’t bleed or spread. You can also use an ink stick, if you prefer that.
• Broad edged pens in different sizes and holders. A Speedball C2, but don’t hesitate to select other brands if you have a preference (at least ±3 mm, but select different smaller and bigger sizes, for instance an Automatic pen and a ruling pen, if you own one).
• (Mechanical) pencil (my preference HB or H)
• Eraser
• Ruler
• Rags
• Brush (cheap) for mixing your paint and fill your pen
• A little plate/saucer or whatever, to mix your paint on
• A jar for water
• Some sheets (A3/11 x 17″ or bigger) good paper (like watercolor paper –hot or cold pressed, Ingres, or paper that you like/are familiar with.)

Elmo van Slingerland

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