Current workshop topics include:
Adobe Illustrator for Calligraphers
Students will learn how to bring their images into Illustrator for vectorizing; how to manually and image (auto) trace; how to add, select and modify points on a path; how to smooth curves; how to draw symmetrical shapes; how to use layers; and much more. We will also learn how to prepare the work for reproduction.
Adobe Photoshop & Elements for Calligraphers
Working through a series of exercises, students will learn how to scan their work; how to retouch their hand lettering; how to add color, filters, and other effects; the advantage of working in layers; and how to prepare their lettering and art pieces for reproduction.
Alphabet Book
We will spend the first part of the class analyzing other alphabets to find out what features determine a cohesive look. Through a series of exercises—using both traditional and non-traditional tools—we will learn all sorts of creative ways to make letters and gradually work our way to finding a style that works for each person. Students will then have the option of creating either a cohesive alphabet OR do an alphabet with a different style for each letter. The final portion of the class will be to assemble a simple, but elegantly designed accordion-fold book.
Continuous Line Letters & Words
From ancient cave painters to Picasso, Calder and Klee, artists have long been interested in what happens when a line is drawn continuously without lifts. But what can the calligrapher do with a continuous line? Plenty! In this class, we will look at other artists’ interpretations of this technique and see how their process can be applied to letters and words. By exploring the continuous line, new ways to make and connect letters will be discovered, resulting in fresh ideas to enhance your calligraphy.
Creating Lettering Art for Signs & Decals
This class will focus on creating lettering compositions for the production of wall art and signage in media such as decals, wood, Plexiglas, metal, etc.
Every Letter is a Jewel
These drawn and painted letters are sure to delight everyone! Students will be led through a series of exercises on how to create their own unusual letterforms. Working in a 3” x 3” format, we will use a variety of mediums to create our little “jeweled” letters.
Exploring the World of Ruling & Folded Pens
Do you ever wonder what those funky ruling and folded pens do? Come join me to find out! We will explore a variety of pens including my favorite, the Handwritmic (AKA the Brody Pen). We’ll try them with different inks and papers just to see what happens. Once students have had an opportunity to spend time making basic strokes, we will move into words and gradually make our way into lines of text and compositions.
The Inside Curve: An Original Alphabet
This playful hand was created several years ago while I was in a workshop. The distinctive features of the letterforms are the inside curve, while the outer part of the letter is angular. How that is achieved is where the fun comes in!
Layout & Design for Calligraphers
So you’ve taken a few lettering classes and have a few hands under your belt. Great! But what’s next? You’ve seen all the beautiful work in the lettering magazines and the art exhibits and wonder, “Will I ever be able to do that?!” The answer is “Yes!” and this class will show you how. Using favorite tools and a favorite quote, students will be led through a series of exercises that will focus not only on the lettering but on layout and composition. Principles of graphic design will be introduced as we discuss where the next letter or word should go; where and when to apply color; and the steps it takes to get to a finished piece.
Lettering, Stamping & Transfers on Unglazed Tiles
Join me for this fun class using different techniques to decorate tumbled marble unglazed tiles. These 4" x 4" tiles can be used as coasters, incorporated into backsplashes, or as stand-alone art pieces. Techniques will include writing directly onto the tiles; making our own stamps (or using existing ones) to apply designs with special inks; and using a simple transfer technique to apply photographs and other artwork to the tiles.
The Letters of Imre Reiner
Imre Reiner was an artist, type designer and graphic designer who studied with Ernst Schneidler and eventually worked as a painter, graphic designer and illustrator. During his career, he created over 14 typefaces and more than 100 hand-drawn alphabets. His calligraphic style is very distinctively his own: abstract and playful, yet drawing from his more formal, traditional lettering education. In this class, we will look at many samples of Reiner’s work, including his illustrations, drawn letters and typefaces. We will analyze how he created his letterforms, then try tools and exercises to mimic his style until it becomes our own.
Lively Letters–Refreshed!
This was my very first class to be taught ‘on the road’ back in 2014. I have taught it for many guilds over the years, and have now added many new and different techniques. This class was designed for intermediate and advanced calligraphers to free up their lettering, and to tap into that playful, “dancing” part inside each person. From monoline to brush, traditional to funky, we will explore new ways to bring life to your lettering. Principles of design will be used as we discuss where the next letter or word should go, what makes a pleasing composition, and where and when to apply color.
Make Your Mark
I am enthralled with making marks. Whether they be legible letters, or purely abstract forms, I simply love using all sorts of tools to ‘make my mark’ on a page or canvas. Just recently, I’ve been challenged by a quote that inspired the artist Georgia O’Keeffe: ‘Go fill your space in a beautiful way.’ It is my hope that this class will help you do that. Through a series of exercises, students will learn how to use both traditional and non-traditional tools in unusual ways to make expressive marks with purpose.
Modern Playful Handwriting (Copperplate Variations)
Using a pointed pen, students will begin exploring the basic strokes and lowercase letters from the traditional Copperplate hand. We will then move on to some exercises that break the rules of the traditional to give us the more modern, playful look. We will also try the pointed brush and move on from basic strokes to writing quotes in small compositions.
Monoline Magic
This class explores the possibilities of the monoline letterform through a series of exercises designed to help students see letters as shapes with positive and negative space. We will play with monoline gestural writing and distorted (or funky!) upper and lowercase letters. Along the way, we’ll pay attention to the beauty of the negative space between the forms and learn some simple ways to emphasize that space through color and value. Composition and layout will also be given high priority in all the exercises.
Passionate Pointed Brush
The pointed brush is one of the most versatile tools in a calligrapher’s toolbox. From elegant flourishes to bold, chunky strokes, the pointed brush gives the scribe a myriad of options. We will start with a series of basic stroke exercises, analyzing how the brush works when both pressure and release are applied. We will also explore entrance and exit strokes in both traditional and more gestural brush lettering. Throughout the class, we will view and analyze many samples of beautiful, pointed brush lettering and then try to replicate how they were made. This exercise will help students become more familiar with the brush and give them the tools they need to continue on their own.
Roamin' Letters
I get inspired to create new letterforms by looking around my environment and discovering the letters “roamin’” around in plain sight. We will begin the class by 'roamin' around either our classroom area OR using inspiration from photographs. Ideas for seeing what's around you will be given prior to class. We will then analyze the basic Roman forms, studying the letter parts so we can understand not only structure, but the nuances that go into developing unique letterforms. We will then use our environmental inspirations to create new alphabets. The final portion of the class will be to assemble a simple, but elegantly designed accordion-fold book.
Variations on Akim and Long Text & Compositions in Akim
‘Akim Cursive’ is a hand created by calligrapher Hans-Joachim Burgert and is said to replicate the rhythm of the human heart. In ‘Variations on Akim’ we will briefly explore Burgert's version, then move into more expressive variations using several different tools. In the last half of class, we will work with in small compositions.
For longer than one-day workshops, we will begin writing longer texts and compositions, focusing on the rhythmic patterns that Akim is known for. We will also look more closely at Burgert’s abstract compositions and create larger pieces that mimic his style.
Writing with Resist
This is a class that will focus on gestural writing and how to free up your traditional letterforms, while exploring several resist techniques that will enhance your writing. We will try several resists including liquid gesso, acrylics, Frisket, masking fluid, and more. We will also work with sumi and walnut ink washes, watercolors, and acrylics.