The Art of Writing

Learn this most versatile of all calligraphic styles from professional calligrapher, Ruth McDonald-Gates. Originating in Italy during the early Renaissance of the 15th century, modern scribes employ Italic lettering for its flowing, adaptable script. This class is an introduction to Italic lettering and students will learn the basics of this graceful alphabet in a step by step approach covering basic strokes, minuscules (lower case letters), capitals, and spacing.

Course Details:

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

Friday

• 9 a.m. Introduction of myself – Brief bio
• History of Italic lettering
• Samples of Italic lettering
• 9:30 a.m. Introduction and use of tools
• 10:30 a.m. Break
• 10:45 a.m. Treat and sharpen nibs, prepare paper, find pen height and pen angle
• 12:00 p.m. Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. Put letters into groups
• Begin instruction of miniscules
• A-Counters
• O- Counters
• 3:00 p.m. Break
• 3:15 p.m. Resume – Continue working on A and O counters
• 5:00 p.m. Adjourn

Saturday

• 9 am. Review A-O Counters
• 9:30 a.m. N-Stroke
• 10:30 a.m. Break
• 10:45 a.m. Angled Letters
• 12:00 p.m. Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. Vertical Letters
• 3:00 p.m. Break
• 3:15 p.m. Rhythm exercises
• 5:00 p.m. Adjourn

Sunday

• 10:00 a.m. Review past 2 days
• 11:15 a.m. Break
• 11:30 a.m. Capital letters
• 1:00 p.m. Lunch
• 2:00 p.m. Work on capital letters
• 3:15 p.m. Break
• 3:30 p.m. Review and answer questions
• 5:00 p.m. Adjourn

Cost: $325

Includes all supplies -- pen holder, nibs, graph paper, ink gouache and tools.

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.”