Elegant Illuminated Letters

Spend 2 ½ days drawing and illuminating an initial of your choice on treated calf skin vellum. Learn how to illuminate and guild with 23 kt gold leaf as was done from the medieval times into today. Illuminations are delicate works of art, with intricate designs painted and embellished with gold on parchment and vellum. 

Course Details:

Ruth’s extensive teaching background allows her to cater the class to you.

Friday

• 10:00 a.m. Introduction of myself/brief bio
• History of Illuminated Lettering
• Samples of Illumination
• 10:30 a.m. Introduction and use of tools
• 11:15 a.m. Break
• 11:30 a.m. Decide on letter for Illumination
• Demonstration of ideas for design of Illumination
• 12:15 a.m. Demonstrate sharpening of lead
• 12:30 p.m. Lunch
• 1:30 p.m. Demonstrate light table usage with design
• Work on design
• 3:00 p.m. Break
• 3:30 p.m. Work on letter
• 4:30 p.m. Adjourn
  

Saturday

• 10:00 a.m. Work on letter and illumination design
• 11:15 a.m. Break
• 11:30 a.m. Show other ideas with color for illumination on design
• 12:30 p.m. Lunch
• 1:30p.m. Demonstrate Laying of GOLD on different types of gesso, gum ammoniac, pva and more.
• Each person will be worked with through the rest of the day to do this
• 3:15 p.m. Break
• 3:30 p.m. Continue laying gold and working with color and design
• 4:30 p.m. Adjourn

Sunday

• 10:00 a.m. Demonstrate more illumination design
• Students will continue to work on their letters/illumination
• Break at will
• 12:30 p.m. Lunch
• 1:30 p.m. Continue working
• Break at will
• Finish design
• Pick a mat for finished work
• Show and Tell
• 4:00 p.m. Adjourn

Cost: $245

Includes initial design, calf skin vellum, 23Kt gold, paint, gesso and miscellaneous items.

Instructor: Ruth McDonald-Gates

Ruth McDonald-Gates began her calligraphy studies at age 19 under the direction of Denys Taiple-Knight who instilled a sense of discipline and passion for the lettering arts that continues to inspire Ruth. She says, “Denys encouraged me to continue my studies through workshops. Over the years I have been fortunate to work with some of the nation's foremost calligraphers, such as: Peter Thorton, Dick Beasley, Martin Jackson, Lisa Engelbrecht and Sheila Waters to name only a few. With the exposure to so many styles, techniques and materials, I enjoy not only lettering but designing and making journals, cards, paper and more.”