Love Letters

The History and Technique of Lettering

(by Alexander Nesbitt)

From the back of the book:  "This is an ideal book for the artist who wishes to learn the history of the lettering craft or wants to have at hand beautifully drawn specimens of major lettering styles from the Greeks to the present.  It is also valuable for the student who wants a supplementary text on not only letter forms and history, but on layout and similar techniques."

How cool is that?!?!

  

I guess this will be a testament to just how geeky I really am... I'm pretty sure this book was never on the New York Times Bestseller list, but I love reading it.  There aren't even any pictures in color!  Just some great examples of lettering fonts and wonderful explanations about the history of letters and writing.  

Now, go make something!

Calligraphy practice

I've been doing a little experiment lately, where, rather than journal in the traditional way, I've been journaling while I practice calligraphy.  It's kind of psychotic, and completely unplanned, but I think it's sort of interesting.  

Next time, perhaps it would be a good idea if I use colors that are more compatible with each other!

.

So I took a page of lettering done on heavy watercolor paper, and turned it into a postcard for a friend..

It's a little bit dark and busy, but it's definitely unique, right?!?  :D

Now, go make something!!!

Someone special turns 80...

Sheila Waters turns 80 years young on Friday this week, March 13th.  This special lady was instrumental in the revival of calligraphy in the US, when she organized the Washington Calligraphers Guild and served as their founding President.  There sill be a large retrospective show of Sheila's work at the Strathmore Hall Mansion in Bethesda, Maryland from July 17th to August 22nd this summer.  

This is a close up of part of Sheila's Roundel of the Seasons, an incredible print of a work originally done on calfskin vellum (it measures approximately 15"x15"). I cannot imagine how many hours Sheila spent on this amazing piece of artwork... I've been privileged enough to see the original and the mockups of the work in progress... breathtaking! Sheila's resume is far too vast for me to even attempt to list here, and I am hopeful I will be able to link to an article written about Sheila in the Gettysburg Companion. Please be sure to check back!

Happy Birthday, Sheila!