Flourish.....as sketch

Flourish.....as border

Flourish.....as illustration

 

The pointed, flexible nib is a marvelous tool, capable of producing a multitude of expressive strokes from whisper thin hairlines to dramatic, bold shades.

What fun to explore these unique qualities as we play with fun and creative pen illustrations.

 

We will be using this tool to create both small and large strokes, discovering multiple ways to add flourishes to letters and our designs. 

 

FIRST, we will learn to use the tool to create small ornamental designs, by combining pressure strokes with curved strokes. These small sketch designs can be combined into wonderful borders, single cartouches, floral decoration, and illustrative ornament. Our inspiration will come from beautiful vintage typographic ornaments and natural botanic forms. We will incorporate some painting with watercolor, gouache, to add another dimension to our penwork.  

 

THEN, we will move to broader, longer flourish movements.This movement also reinforces the longer whole arm movement needed for more flourished pointed pen letters. These larger designs can be used as borders, under letter flourishes or stand-alone illustrations. We will add simple brush florals to complement them and use color to add interest and softness.

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This workshop is good for all levels, since it explores the pressure needed for shade, while giving the student experience in a long forward movement of the pen.