Rick Paulus - 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. With a series of independent assignments, Rick will gently guide you through taking your work from concept to completion, using easily acquired methods and processes. Guided exercises will introduce the use of watercolor, gouache, and a range of papers. Knowledge of a formal hand is helpful but not required; beginners should be familiar with the use of a dip pen.
- Pen holders and nibs, 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
- Your favorite black ink (Sumi Moon Palace is a good all-around start)
- Gouache in small tube(s) or pans (Holbein, Winsor & Newton, Schmincke, etc.) minimum one color in addition to the black ink you will be using
- Watercolor small tube(s) or pans (Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, Dr. Martin, QoR, etc.) [NOTE: You will be creating much of your work in color during this class, please use your judgment as to how many col- ors you need on hand]
- Old retired small brush(es) with nylon for mixing colors (can be poor quality, the more, the merrier!)
- Layout paper (Canson Pro Layout Marker or Borden and Riley #37 Boris Bright White Layout Visu- al 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, but tracing paper pads are acceptable
- 05 HB lead in a mechanical pencil (other pencils acceptable providing you can keep them sharp)
- Clean plastic eraser (such as Staedtler/Mars or Tombow) or clean kneaded eraser
- Ruler (metal will give you more accurate measuring and a good, straight, sharp edge)
- Artist tape, or removable scotch tape, 1/2 or 3/4 roll
- X-acto knife with #11 blade (the sharp, pointed blade)
- Water containers
- Paper towels
- Any favorite writing tool that you enjoy working with
- Text from which to work (one short poem/passage,10-15 words, and one long poem/passage, 8 lines, 40-50 words)
- OPTIONAL: Slant board/desk that slants up to 45 degrees (recommended by Rick, any stiff board measuring at least 18 x 20, Ma- sonite, gatorfoam, or plexiglass will work well)
- OPTIONAL: T-square
- OPTIONAL: 90-degree plastic triangle
- OPTIONAL: Extra brushes
- OPTIONAL: Thin LED lightbox
- OPTIONAL: Scissors