Double & Triple Letterforms (Martin Jackson: 2.5 day)

Skill Level: Intermediate and Advanced

This class will show how we can make our letters and numerals more exciting by using double and/or triple strokes, i.e. letters made from two or three separate strokes with a white space in between each stroke. Working with a single stroke tool we explore the many directions we can take to add a new dimension and excitement to our calligraphy. We will discover that sometimes what we leave out is more important than what we put in. There will be many other useful tips and techniques demonstrated, and a project will be completed in the class using these ideas.

Supply List: Your favorite broad-edge writing tools (Mitchell, Brause, or Speedball, a variety of sizes if possible, Speedball C-0, C-2 and C-3 would be useful); favorite inks, any  gouache you have, layout pad or practice paper 11×17 or larger; tracing paper; 1 or 2 or more sheets of good paper (Arches Text Wove or Arches 90 lb CP, these can be cut into quarters for travel); a sheet of black Canson MiTientes (9×12 or larger); masking tape; palette for mixing color; water container; mixing brushes.If you have a small portable light box and are travelling by car please bring it.

About the instructor: Martin Jackson was born in Sheffield England and emigrated to Canada in 1966. He has 55 years of experience as a designer and calligrapher and for over forty years has run his own design studio in Vancouver, Canada. As one of Canada’s foremost calligraphers he has lectured and taught across Canada, and the United States, and in Australia, Europe and Japan, and has been on the faculty of several international conference. Among his many commissions are pieces for the visit to Vancouver by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Pope John Paul ll, and the calligraphy for the wedding reception of Bill Gates. When not working on his calligraphy Martin collects and rears moths and butterflies and is an avid cross-country skier.