The Calligrapher's Process

The challenges of placing text on a page in a meaningful way can be a daunting leap for one who has never attempted to do so. This comprehensive studio workshop is designed to introduce beginner and intermediate calligraphers to the process of creating a finished piece. 

Through a series of independent assignments, Rick will gently guide you through the process of taking your work from concept to completion, using easily acquired meth- ods and processes. Using a review of two formal hands as a launching point, we will move on to explore layout, design, texture, pattern, nuance, and more in the process of interpreting the meaning of text through calligraphy. Guided exercises will introduce the use of watercolor, gouache, gold leaf and a wide range of papers.

This is your opportunity to enjoy two days in the studio with former White House chief calligrapher, Rick Paulus. With over 30 years experience in commercial calligraphy and fine-art calligraphy, Rick is eager to share his tips of the trade through the exciting forum of this workshop.

Prerequisite:

Beginner to intermediate. Beginners should be familiar with the use of a dip pen. Knowledge of a formal hand is helpful but not required.

Materials List

• Slant board/desk that slants up to 45 degrees.
• Any stiff board, measuring at least 18” x 20” (Masonite, gatorfoam, or plexiglass work well also)

• Minimum of three sizes of your favorite broad-edge dip pen, full set suggested.
• Minimum of two pen holders, best to have enough for full set of nibs (6-8 holders)
• Oblique holder and pointed nibs can be used if you choose.
• Ink — Black ink. Your favorite (Sumi Moon Palace recommended)

• Small tube(s) (Holbein, Winsor & Newton, Schmincke, etc....)
• You will be creating much of your work in color during this class, please use your judgement as to how many colors you need on hand. Minimum one color in addition to the black ink you will be using.

• Small tube(s) (Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, Dr. Martin, QoR, etc.....)
• You will be creating much of your work in color during this class, please use your judgement as to how many colors you need on hand. Minimum one color in addition to the black ink you will be using.
• An old “retired” small brush for mixing colors (can be poor quality!) The more, the merrier! Nylon bristles +

• Marker Layout paper (Canson Pro Layout Marker or Borden and Riley #37
• Boris Bright White Layout Visual Bond, etc........either 9X12, or 11X14)
• 1 sheet, Arches 90#, or Arches 140# hot or cold press, or other high-quality paper. Can be cut to 1/2 size for transport, or, if you know that you work small, it can be cut to 1/4 size.
• Tracing Paper. (12” roll is preferred and most cost effective). Tracing paper pads are acceptable.
• Pencil — .05, HB in a mechanical pencil. Other pencil’s acceptable providing you can keep them sharp. 
• Erasers — Clean plastic eraser such as Staedtler/Mars, Tombow, or clean kneaded eraser.
• Ruler — Metal will give you more accurate measuring and a good, straight, sharp edge.
• Tape — Artist tape, or removable scotch tape, 1/2” or 3/4” roll.
• Xacto knife — #11 blade (The sharp, pointed blade)
• Water container and paper towels or clean up cloths
• Any favorite writing tool which I may have left out, that you enjoy working with.

• One short poem/passage (10-15 words) and one long poem/passage (8 line poem, 40-50 words)