The Ruling Pen (Peter Thornton: 2.5 day)

Legibility versus Visual Interest: In this workshop we shall be working on very many exercises, using letters that produce a wide range of ‘flavours’ and textures and where legibility is somewhat sacrificed for visual interest – and where the logical need to read is replaced with invention and play.

Whilst we shall primarily be using the *Folded Ruling Pen, a tool that openly encourages a more adventurous and less precious approach, we shall also, in the 2nd part of the w/shop, be using other nibs to balance and to integrate with this rather rebel tool in exercises that allow the full value of the Ruling Pen to be seen. After a short talk/demonstration on some basic Layout and Design principles we shall combine these in a final and cohesive project using Gouache colours and Walnut and/or Black Ink.

*A Ruling Pen can be made for each student in class.

Supply List: Layout paper and/or Bond paper (it’s slightly heavier/better); several sheets of ANY better quality paper (Arches Text Wove and/or Laid, Arches MBM, Rives BFK or similar heavier paper); HB pencil, Black and/or Walnut Ink; any *Ruling Pens you already have; a pointed nib (as used for Copper Plate); a small pointed brush; gouache paints (any colors); small palette; old brush to load pen.Optional (these will be available to borrow): needle, embroidery thread, awl, 2 bulldog clips and bone folder.

Supply fee: $5

About the instructor: Peter Thornton has been an enthusiastic full-time professional calligrapher for over 40 years, teaching throughout Europe, South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada and the US. He has taught at over 20 International Conferences as well as holding week-long Master Classes in the UK, Germany, and Belgium. His book, Alphabetically Speaking, will soon be followed by a sequel on the topic of Layout and Design with an emphasis on textural variations.  He still firmly believes that letters want to be burdened with affection and not perfection. He is currently living in Tennessee with his wife, Sherri, and their 3 cats, and spreads his time between his work, the vegetable garden, cooking, and when time permits, fishing.