Paper, Pens & Inks

 The other day someone asked what paper I prefer using. A very good question but it set me thinking...

When we first started calligraphy in South Africa about 40 years ago our first 'overseas' teacher was Tom Gourdie who was the gentlest and dearest person you could meet, but he simply loved letters and talking letters and frankly, I have little recollection of the classes except smiling a great deal and wondering what I was doing there. Shortly after that Denys Taipele joined us from the US and turned the calligraphy world on it toes. She introduced us to Fabriano (I think we had to have it imported), Winsor and Newton gouache and most importantly 'Beautiful Writing'. I remember doing Italic flourishes with her and having a few conniptions while attempting a beautiful swirling 'g' for a piece which was part of a series we created for a children's oncology ward. It was a poem about clowns which rather daunting, but as I recall the pictures were more colour than clown faces. But the exercise allowed us to think about patter, design and most importantly letterform.

What has this got to do with paper choices? Well, the choice is wide and bewildering and you have to experiment. Many times and very often. Ask ANY calligrapher what their favourite paper is and each one will give you a few different responses.

I have an array of paper which I love to use and it all depends on what I am going to write, draw, paint which paper I choose. What pens or brushes I am using and whether I will use graphite or not. And yes, the choice is endless - so is the amount of fun you can have exploring.

I use D'Arches paper (very expensive cloth paper. VERY nice to work on). Fabriano is a good 'all rounder'. Amadeo is good for practice. Bockingford and Canson are great standbys. But what weight will I use? 180gsm or 300gsm? Am I using Noodler ink to draw with or will I paint and add ink afterwards? And so on.

The choices are multiple and pretty much endless.

The solution? Order paper, paint or ink sampler packs. Most good stores/makes have such packs so that you can test which works best for your needs.

There was a moment sometime last year when I thought I might run out of paper. Well I hope you didn't hold your breath as I found stacks of paper in the studio with enough ink to float a boat as well. I also discovered 4 full sheets of D'Arches and felt so generous I passed some onto John. I will never be able to use up all the bits and pieces I have in my drawers and cupboards. But what fun I have 'trying' out.

So the short and simple answer is experiment. Buy a few sheets of beautiful paper. Find some paper packs. Make a paper note book (I'm sure some of you have the beginnings of one). Note the materials you use so that you have a reference for future projects. (This does not need to be a dissertation, simply a few pointers).

Most of all ENJOY your experimentations. I certainly do.

Planning

Planning is so important when creating a piece. In fact we all know that the longest part of any art work it the planning. Testing pen size, color, choosing the hand and dealing with paper and paper size.

This week we have been working on creating space for ourselves on paper, to be less fearful of white paper, large nibs and knowing that leaving space to work around is optimum.

An A3 sheet of paper and handful of large nibs was the choice, together with black gouache and ink to use as the liquid to 'liquify' the  paint. This is in preparation for next lesson's writing on fabric.

Tina's work - lovely swirl and a simple quote create a beautiful image

Suggested homework: practice words depicting Penfriends Calligraphy Studio which will be paintedointo fabric and hung around the courtyard and studio as 'bunting' for the 30th celebrations in November. I'm hoping words like: Create, Laugh, Joy, Smile will be some of the thoughts that pop up - not homework, handwork and hardwork.

A rough thumbnail will be created on paper, using the same size as the intended flag, pen or brush to be used for the final piece, together with color choice and design. 

Look forward to the designs and final flags next week.

Some pieces created today which could easily be adapted into flag designs. 

 Jill's piece

 Ghita's piece

 Jeannette's cryptic quote

 Lyn's work 

Joy's piece

'Homework' by A-MM

You might or might not know that this year I have been teaching calligraphy for thirty years.

I've had much more fun than anyone involved in the 30 year war and certainly have had as much fun as anyone celebrating a thirtieth wedding anniversary, which is pearl. Pearls of wisdom I have learned and have learned much more than I have ever taught. I have {mostly} enjoyed every moment of the classes I have prepared and presented.

Penfriend's Studio celebrations are set for 20 and 21 November with wonderful workshops and surprises planned. So if you are in the area contact me.

The students have been working hard on their creative projects as well as learning new hands. I have been bowled over by their enthusiasm and commitment to the end of year exhibition. Some work in progress has been posted for your enjoyment.

As David and I go away a great deal, I decided that I should create a few small pieces, so that I too will have something for guests to view. Years ago I was fortunate to be able to go to a CLAS workshop held in Winchester and joined a creative workshop presented by Brian Walter. He taught me the joy of working small and cut me a nib from a mapping pen which I still use today.

Here is a taste of what my 'homework' has been over the past few weeks.
The pieces are small and written on those scraps of {good}paper you have in a drawer or folder.

 You Can Tell...

 Everyday

Small Things

I also collect small pieces of decorative paper and never throw away ribbon or bits of gold. I usually write in gouache and in the simplest hand. It's the quote that is important. 

Project Update

Although many 'girls' were absent today well done everyone for the great work you are doing. There is a marked improvement in writing skills and your 'layout' eyes are open and creating beautiful small word vignettes for the 'quote tins'.

I discovered the tins at Woolworths filled with soap. I thought they would make an ideal 'small quote container' and they smell good too.

 I had great fun completing my tin using coloured Canson paper and quotes found and stored for just such an occasion. I added ribbon and a small fountain pen for the recipients' own quotes and will have mine photocopied on board to fill tins with quotes for gifts.

Completed tin filled with quotations, extra paper and a small pen. I am thrilled with the results and wouldn't mind receiving one myself.

Homework:
I look forward to seeing students' completed work next week. That means concertina books as well.
Please practice writing and be prepared for another project next week.

On another tack altogether. I hardly ever (ever) have any open water or cups of tea or coffee around my work space be it computers or art work. I have been 'working hard' for the exhibition and had just cut completed pieces off the stretching board after discussing process with students.

I placed the pieces in front of me and was drinking a cup of coffee chatting to the group. I lifted the mug, only to have it slip and land neatly on my work. The result? Coffee everywhere. Of three pieces, two were salvaged. (Although one of my students gathered it out of the bin to use portion as a card - what next I wonder?).

Lesson learned? I do hope so. Luckily I'd stretched paper earlier so I took the opportunity to redo the one piece (which really does look better) and paint the other two with spilt coffee. Of course  there is not a cup or mug in sight and my painting water is in a container which is in a container. Talk about crying over spilt ink.

Was I furious and did I do a dance of absolute fury? No, what's the point? I simply removed the pieces, wiped the table and started my new projects. I truly think they look better than the originals and I will add images next week.

Browsing through Shops & Tuesdays & Thursdays - Homework

I suppose like most of you I enjoy browsing art shops, book shops, paper...Well I just love browsing and seeing what new materials, paper and inks have been introduced. 

In Johannesburg I have a wonderful contacts at Herbert Evans Art Stores in both Rosebank and Fourways. The staff are extremely helpful and keen to search for new calligraphy inks and nibs. So let's be positive and perhaps we will be surprised by the next shipment. Canson, gros grain ribbon and board can be found along the newly set out shelves. If all else fails please speak to Steven or Juanli in Rosebank or Dee at Fourways.

For special papers I find that Paper Cafe in Glenhove Road has some interesting papers and ribbon. Claudia of Scrapalicious in Waverley has lovely scrapbooking paper as does Karin of Kartworks. Please mail me should you wish to make contact. dmoore@iafrica.com

The class work and your dedication is really great, thank you for your enthusiasm.

Tuesday and Thursday homework: 

Concertina Books: Please complete as much as you can. Cut covers out of board, 1cm larger all round, than the book size. Please find some suitable paper to cover the board. Paper should be firm and compliment the interior of the book. Grosgrain ribbon to match. [About 2 metres].

Portfolio preparation: Please buy an A2 heavy card for your portfolio cover. Try to find a suitable colour in Canson. Grosgrain ribbon to match. [About 2 metres].

Board for Block pieces. Please buy black backing board/mount board as a background for your abstract block project and heavy duty double-sided tape. 

Tin Book Project: Use Canson paper which matches the colours of the tin. I find that 7cmx11cm size pieces work well. Round the corners for a more professional finish. Ten pieces are required. Please prepare more pages should you wish to. Collect quotes for the paper. 

Lettering: Please continue to practice the lettering you are learning.

Enjoy the week.

Anne-Marie

Homework and Other Creative Things

We all know that practice experimenting are the best ways to further the discipline we have chosen to follow.

My son John is an artist and draws every day. He carries a creative notebook with him all the time and makes notes continuously. My other son Dave is a paediatrician and in research and continues to probe, ask questions and make notes continuously. David, my husband, is a great photographer and always carries his camera with him - who knows what will catch his eye? Elizabeth our daughter is studying and is required to research and read continuously.

While this sounds like a litany of my family's work what I am illustrating is that no matter what you choose to do, an enquiring mind is how one is able to continually be creative. Creativity doesn't ever come to an end. The more you follow your passion, the more you will find.

From now on I sill be adding homework set during class to the blog so that everyone can follow progress in-between other posts.

Lyn's Abstract Piece

We are working towards the Penfriends Calligraphy Studio 30 year celebration in November. So creative work is being encouraged and completed.

We are making Portfolios for loose leaf work and for long-standing students, we encourage them to go through years of work so all can see the variety of hands and work that has been created.

Portfolios for your own exquisite work for the exhibition:

Requirements: Canson A1 sheet. The heavy weight Canson. Colour of your choice

Gros grain ribbon

Over the years we have made several small concertina books. This year we created some exquisite decorated letters with words to match. These now have to be covered.

Cover for Concertina Books:

Requirements: Use the backing page from any of the pads you use for practice

Cut 2 pieces 1/5cm larger than the size of your book. [Front and back cover]

Find paper suitable for your book which will cover the above pieces of cardboard

Gros grain ribbon 

I am always on the look out for various ways to create new ideas. Woolworths has some beautiful tins with soap inside. We have given the soap away and will be making pages using different lettering and quotes about art and calligraphy.

Tin books:

Choose 5 Canson colours [A4 is fine] that match the tin you have chosen

Cut 10 pieces - 2 of each colour 1/2 cm SMALLER than the size of the tin. 2 pages will be the front and back covers.

It is a good idea to have a template, try it out first and then cut.

This was an inspiration from a friend of mine Paddy. She gave me a series of 6 blocks for each student. We painted these a neutral colour and created abstract designs, using the calligraphic stroke as inspiration, from images found in magazines. We had some wonderful results.

Abstract design [Blocks}

Final decision re mounting the blocks: 1 piece BLACK mountboard 37cmx26cm [Any framer should be able to assist]

Double sided tape

Please mount your original 'inspiration' and 6 block-practice paper onto an A3 piece of paper [neutral colour]

And of course there is always Lettering. The reason we go to calligraphy classes. At the moment we are looking at Uncial and Compressed with wonderful reference material from Sheila Water and Edward Johnston. What a challenge we have.

Lettering:

Please practice Compressed/Uncial

Note the shape of the 'O' and then the other letters will follow.

Please find quotes on Art, Calligraphy, Lettering

Next week I will continue with each group's homework and progress. 

Happy creating

Colour Continues

We've had a wonderful few creative colour weeks at Penfriends Studio. The students have been exploring colour with great dedication and realise that, like a small child, paper doesn't crumple easily, although once overworked, the paper simply gives up - like a two year old having a tantrum.

We have taken water-colour paper - with 'tooth' so add texture and the challenge of writing on 'rough' paper - and added gouache or water colour which adds texture and covered the wet paper with 'plastic wrap' and allowed to dry.

Complimentary colours are then chosen to add more texture in the form of letters or a word. A challenge but allowing wonderful results and surprises.

Of course the challenge is not to write on the lines created by the plastic wrap but to use the lines as texture and design to enhance the piece.

Next week: writing on black!

 Tina's Sunrise

 Newcomer Cynthia's Laughter

 Lyn's Inferno

Head girl Jill's Bouquet

Creative Cards

It is always a challenge to inspire students to believe in their own creativity.

One 'old favourite' is a woven card.

Simply cut an A4 sheet of paper in half and preferably choose a contrasting colour for the 'frame'.

On the paler sheet - draw 1 cm lines horizontally down the page. Remember to leave a border.

Write a quotation from border to border leaving no spaces between letters, but leave a line between each line of writing. Uncial seems to work best as the letters are contained.

On the second sheet of paper draw borders of 3cm around each side. Between the borders cut lines with a craft knife from top to bottom border.

Tear the written page between lines. You will have about 5 strips of torn writing lines.

Weave these through the second [darker] sheet. The letters will 'peep' through the woven pieces. Decorate the letters with bright colour. Glue the loose tabs to secure.

Use as a birthday card or any other card you choose.

 Woven paper

 Coloured letters

Jeweled Card

Creative Journals and FUN!

Maxine is a past student, great friend and divinely amusing person. She visits South Africa at least once a year and we try to get together at least once when she is here.

She has suggested that we work on a creative project. I THINK she meant when she is here - but we have 8 months to work on 'our own creativity' never mind the fact that Maxine has started a new framing business and we are both fairly busy people.

But who says we can't pretend that we care going to do something creative between now and October. 

New posts probably every 2 weeks [or so]. If you would like to join is the 'creative frenzy' please let me know and we can add your ideas and suggestions.

Creating a Journal

 

Project for Maxine and Anne-Marie over 8 months

 This was a very simple page for a book on numbers. Very little anything much else - but a start anyway

To show intent: My pens, pencils and some water-coloured paper at the ready.

 

Suggested work plan:

1 One signature to be completed every 2 weeks

2 ANY media maybe used: acrylic, craypas, pencil crayons, fineliners, collage

  watercolours, ink and so on.

3 A-MM will scan/photograph and send examples which may be ‘cribbed, altered and improved’ in any way.

4 It is suggested that if the one folio begins in say watercolours and pencils the whole 4/6 pages remain the same. In other words, change materials when starting a new signature to keep a theme going.

5 Any hand or font may be used. Maybe together

6. Theme of journal to be decided upon individually – open, creative minds seem like a good thing to have.

7 A-MM will post the work pace onto the Penfriendspatter blog.

 

Hopefully some of the signatures can travel with Maxine in October and the book stitched together in a frenzy of creativity!

Africa - Letters & Words

The Penfriends Envelopes have left South Africa and are on their way to France, Begium and other parts of the world. Here are the 'girls' proudly holding up one of their creations.

Our new project is far more intense and involved. 

Have you ever wondered how the alphabet developed? Well think no further [for fun and literature] than Rudyard Kipling. He wrote a delightful tale 'How the Alphabet was Made' from Just So Stories written in 1902.  About a little girl and her dad, this story takes us from A-Z in descriptive and intriguing 'old fashioned' terms.

We have been working on Letter Shape and Form using the skeleton Roman hand, moving into Foundational, as we develop an 'African Alphabet' from which to choose letters and then to create a book.

Project details: 

Paper: Use 'toothed' Water Colour paper at least 250gsm.

Tear: 28 sheets of paper 12x12 cms in size.

Research: the meaning of letters

Research: Quirky Questions

Prepare the paper leaving a small pencil hand drawn border around the page.

Watch this space for details and illustrations through the next few weeks.