Learning Calligraphy

Follow Ina Saltz as she walks you through the foundations of calligraphy—how to write the basic italic forms using a broad-edged pen.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Getting the most out of this course

1. Preparing to Do Calligraphy

• Focusing on the essentials: mind and body coordination
• The tools of the trade: paper, pens, ink
• Preparing your practice sheets
• The broad-edged pen and how it works: the ribbon effect
• Advice for lefties

2. Writing Minuscules, or Small Letters

• Creating the basic building blocks: a, n, o
• Checkpoints: How did you do?
• Related shapes: Alphabet families and necklaces
• Letters with diagonal strokes
• Special Letters: f, t, s, &
• Letterspacing and wordspacing for minuscules

3. Writing Majuscules, or Capital Letters

• Preparing to write capitals
• Creating capitals with straight, diagonal, and curved sides
• Checkpoints: How did you do?
• Combining capitals and small letters

4. Writing Numbers and Punctuation

• Oldstyle and lining numbers
• Punctuation

5. Smaller Sizes, Layouts, Flourishes, and Color

• Writing with smaller nib sizes
• Calligraphy layouts: Planning projects
• Adding flourishes: When, where, and how
• Using color

Final Thoughts

• Writing strategies for lefties
• Using different materials and tools
• Next steps