For students new to calligraphy, as well as those who are looking for an opportunity to revisit the basics, the Gentle Penman is offering a four-part Introduction to Italic.   In order to make this series available to students with varying experience and interests, we are following the successful format of our previous series:  Copperplate Summer School, and offering students the opportunity to sign up for individual workshops.  (For example, if you are tempted by Swash Capitals, and already have experience with the Minuscules, you can choose Part 3 of the series.)  We do, of course, recommend that beginners start at the beginning!  We will introduce you to the tools and materials and basic rules of broad-edged pen calligraphy in Part 1, and continue from there.  Stay tuned for information about all four parts of this exciting series!

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PART 1:  TOOLS & MATERIALS, THE BASICS

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Every introduction to Italic calligraphy must, of necessity, start with an intro to the tools and materials used by beginners and professionals alike:  pen, ink and paper.  In this workshop we will learn about the calligrapher's tool kit, how our nibs work, even how to dip the pen into ink!  Understanding which inks to use and how to keep our pens in good working order is invaluable information that can help us avoid frustration and disappointment.

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Once we are familiar with the tools, we will learn the basics of Italic, "the handwriting of the Renaissance," a beautiful script as relevant today as it was in the sixteenth century.  We will use our calligraphy tools to create simple forms and basic strokes that will prepare us to learn this beautiful alphabet.