The round pen nib, with its distinctive circular tip, is a fascinating instrument that often sits unnoticed in our collections. We admire its unique design but wonder: What types of strokes can it create? How do we hold it effectively? What is its creative potential? Can we make other things than letters with this pen?

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In this immersive four-day workshop, we’ll answer these questions through exploration and practice. While the nib may initially seem temperamental, sometimes even reluctant to write, it rewards patience and understanding with its beautiful, monoline strokes and signature rounded ends.

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We’ll start with a series of exercises to uncover the nib’s potential, experimenting with different lines, movements, and strokes. Participants will have the opportunity to explore various round pen nib brands from their own collections, for example Speedball B, Redis, Conté, Brause, and Mitchell. Each brand offers subtle differences in stroke quality and smoothness, which we’ll examine in detail.

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From there, we’ll progress to creating diagonal, vertical, horizontal, and circular strokes, laying the groundwork for Roman Capitals. By combining these basic elements, we’ll explore patterns with varying weights and densities. Using Roman Capitals as a foundation, we’ll delve into letter variations and creative compositions, unlocking the artistic potential of this unique nib.

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Additionally, we’ll experiment with some background techniques and color, transforming your compositions into vibrant and dynamic creations.