Letters and Signs

Whenever and wherever I travel, I always make a point of looking at the signage and lettering - well why wouldn't I?

The Czech Republic has a great heritage of lettering and writing. From Gothic to the modern type face. I came upon many wonderful examples and am working out some ways to work ideas into new lettering forms for intriguing class projects.

Here are a few examples of what I discovered. You will see there is much scope for creative lettering. Will keep you updated

 Manhole cover

 Absinth 

 At the granite base of a memorial

 A book store

 A front door

 A cafe

 A beautiful 'G'

 A decorated 'S'

 A delightful painting at the entrance of a restaurant

 Versals describing a menu

And even he was represented: A bookstore of course

Letter Collage

While teaching it is always a challenge to 'keep up' with one's own work.

I really enjoy Versals with their variations and design proportions. I also enjoy earthy colours and placing letters into a space. Here is a Letter collage I have worked on after, before and during each class.

Study in Versals

The Thursday group is in the process of studying Versals. With great exemplars from a few masters of the craft they have begun their books and have created some beautiful work.

Saturday Workshop - Versals

It is always a challenge to find good materials and ideas for calligraphy and creative workshops.

What better way than to look at Versals. Based on Skeleton Roman capitals, they lend themselves to fine design and colour.

The Pretoria calligraphers drove through to Johannesburg and enjoyed several hours of creative calligraphy as they poured over examples from old texts and more modern interpretations of the Versal letters.

Thank you once again for bringing 'the team' over for a workshop.
Homework and preparation:
1] Complete letters for words chosen [Logic etc]
2] Start and complete Letter Collage: Use pen, pencil. Black. White. Brown. Shading. Grey. 15 cms x 15cms
Get this photocopied onto white cardstock
3] Decorate an initial with black and a colour of choice with a 'dash' of gold.
4] Place all finished pieces into a book. Bind
5] If you would like a very fine calligraphy nib, bring a mapping pen nib and holder to the next workshop.
6] Bring a quotation in preparation for Christmas/Holiday fabric banner.

I look forward to exciting creativity at the next workshop in August.

Well done all!