Roman Rustics Revisted (Yves Leterme: 2.5 day)

Skill Level: Intermediate and Advanced

Roman Rustics are not only adequate when one wants to evoke the world of Ancient Rome (Latin quotes, the great Classics…), this script has also great calligraphic potential when used in a modern way. First we will analyse the letters while using a pen, then we’ll switch to flat brush. This tool will enable us to put more refinement in the strokes by twisting and turning and using the pressure-release technique. Having gained more confidence with the brush, we will experiment with alternatives for some strokes, endings and joins. Finally, we’ll return to the nib in order to produce some gestural writing with Rustic influence.

Supply List: Layout paper; a variety of broad-edge pens; ink or gouache; pencil; ruler; eraser; an excellent flat brush (Winsor Newton #995 ½”); a roll of inexpensive shelf paper (IKEA “Mala” is excellent & cheap); some small Speedball nibs (C5, C4); a few small size sheets smooth “good” paper.