Pointed Pen Personalities (Pat Blair: 2.5 day)

Level: some pointed pen experience will be helpful.

The pointed pen is a wonderful tool, strong enough to achieve bold, dramatic forms with a classic appeal to light-hearted and fun hands for a more casual look. Starting with a study of a basic copperplate alphabet, we will learn what gives the lettering its structure and form. We will then explore new alphabets, using various weights, sizes, and slants, while all the while keeping an eye on our strong foundation, and learning that underneath still lies strong form. New “Personalities” will be born, using subtle differences in shape and form, from fun and casual to elegant and dressed-up. Some flourishing techniques will end a busy class.

Supply List: Oblique pen holder; your favorite pointed pen nibs such as Nikko G or Leonardt Principal (both of these need a holder that will accommodate their larger size), Hunt 22 or 56, or Gillott 303 or 404 or the Tiger Nib, a Marker Layout pad such as Canson Pro Marker or Boris,  no larger than 10″x 14″; Moon Palace or McCaffrey’s Penmans Ink, black; Dr. Martin’s Bleed Proof White; several sheets of good quality paper – one or two light, and one or two dark, pencil, ruler, eraser and t-square.

Supply Fee: $2

About the instructor: Pat Blair has been a professional calligrapher for 26 years, and currently holds the position of Chief Calligrapher at The White House in Washington, DC. Her work has been published in Letter Arts Review, The Calligrapher’s Engagement Calendar, Scripsit, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Bound and Lettered. She teaches at the Loudoun Academy of the Arts in Virginia, and has been on the faculty of several International Calligraphy Conferences. Sharing and teaching what she loves is a high priority. Pat has served two years as President of the Washington Calligrapher’s Guild, been Chairperson of The Graceful Envelope Contest, and has been Co-Director of Letterforum, the 26th International Calligraphy Conference. Pat’s love of pointed pen lettering led to her study of Copperplate and Spencerian letterforms. The International Association of Master Penman and Engrossers recently awarded her the honor “Master Penman” for her work in this area.