The Art of Slinging Ink®
Online Spencerian Penmanship & Calligraphy
Beginner Class
Welcome! I am delighted that you have chosen this class for an introduction to Spencerian penmanship & calligraphy.
This is the first in a series of classes for providing insight into this beautiful art form.
This class is designed to be enjoyed almost entirely through the videos. As there are countless instructional books available, I felt that providing an up close view of the lettering as it is happening would be paramount for those that learn like I do….through seeing it and following along. Here, you can rewind and fast-forward, zoom in and revisit the video as needed.
The videos are aligned in the order that they should be viewed with links to materials and downloadable pdf files intertwined where appropriate.
What materials should you acquire?
(Links included)
A few of these Nibs
Tachikawa G - Nikko G - Zebra G
Any Iron Gall ink
Fox & Quills - Elephant Grey Iron Gall Ink
Any laser Jet Printer paper
Just about any oblique penholder will suit our needs at this point, however this is a link to a great starter one.
Let’s Get started!
Introduction
Materials
Downloadable pdf Files
Guidesheet 1 is the beginner guidesheet. Advance to guidesheet 2 as you progress
My Favorite Materials
Books
Spencerian Script and Ornamental Penmanship volumes 1 & 2
Nibs
Tachikawa G - Nikko G - Zebra G
Paper
Oblique Penholder
Just about any oblique penholder will suit our needs at this point, however this is a link to a great starter one.
Light Pad
A Light Table or Pad is not necessary by any means. However, all of the work that I demonstrate for the videos utilizes this one if you are interested in the future.
INK
My Favorite Inks
Fox & Quills - Elephant Grey Iron Gall Ink
Mont Blanc - Oyster Grey Dye Based ink
Prep & Placement
Guidesheet Specifics
&
Hairline vs Shade
Downloadable pdf Files
Cross Drills
Cross drills are important for training your hand and your mind to become in tune with the spacing and hand movement that are necessary for Spencerian lettering. This video will explain how to complete one. The template for download and an example pdf are located beneath this video.
Cross drills should be executed daily or at the very least before you start to practice or writing words
Miniscules
(Lowercase)
Note regarding the lowercase K
in the video, the shade is placed in the upper portion while in the pdf the shade is placed in the lower portion. I have seen it placed on either area in various exemplars from the golden Age. In reviewing my work, I noticed that I more often than not place it in the lower portion as I was taught. Placing it in the upper portion may be done to provide artistic expression however the lower portion will be more common.
Majuscules
(Capital Letters)
Numbers & Punctuation
And “&”
Making words
COngratulations
