Workshop Descriptions

Note: Please see the General Workshop Information and
the Workshops Policies before signing up for any workshop!

These change periodically, and the latest information
will be posted on the pages linked above.

To register for one of these workshops,

• contact the Workshops Registrar; or
• fill out, print , and mail the online form; instructions are on the form.

2010 Workshops

The Celtic Hand
Deborah Kaplan

Saturday, May 15 & Saturday, May 22, 2010

This workshop covers the quirky and charming Celtic hand, as written in the gorgeous 8th century Bible, the Book of Kells, Celtic is in the uncial family, which consists of all capitals (majuscule letters). The monks who penned the Book of Kells systematically changed and exaggerated some letters, had the endings of certain letters attach themselves to the letters following, and introduced other singular devices. The result is distinctive and always eye catching! It is so much fun to do that you must be warned not to become a Celtic addict, using it for every possible task!

Besides the lettering, some methods of embellishment will be covered—such as knotwork and other border styles, color, layout and design.

(Note: This workshop is for beginning as well as intermediate students who wish to learn a new hand.)

Materials List:

• A tube of gouache paint, preferably in a bright color, such as red, green, or blue.
  If you don't know what this is, or can't find it.  I will bring extra.
•  A small pointed brush, size 2 or 3 
•  Water jar
•  Pallette for mixing the paint
• The usual stuff: 
  • Higgins eternal ink;
  • Nibs and holder
  • Layout bond paper pad
  • T-square (I will bring extras if you don't have)

Overcoming Fear of Fine Art Paper:
Choosing Paper for Calligraphy
Brenda Broadbent

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Wandering through paper departments, wondering which ones will work can be an expensive gamble. Spend a morning with guidance, testing 20+ papers with your favorite tools. You will learn which papers work well with pointed pens, for a family tree, a handmade book, a wedding poem. How can you tell if a paper is archival? What is grain direction and why is it important? Which paper won’t buckle if I layer watercolors? How can I satisfy customers who want a piece on “parchment” paper?

Paper can enhance the art of calligraphy almost as much as the choice of pen, brush and color. Learn to choose paper for different effects and purposes in this half day of hands-on testing. We’ll write on practice papers and an international assortment of watercolor, charcoal, printmaking, text weight, faux parchment and black papers with a variety of tools and fluids. We’ll talk about surface, weight, archival quality and sizing.

Bring your questions about paper…

…and your favorite dip pens in a variety of sizes, copperplate nibs & holders if you want to know how they respond to the papers. If you want to test brushes - a Pentel color brush (any color) or a pointed brush size 1 or 2 and/or a flat brush. A tube or two of watercolor or gouache, 2-3 loading brushes, water containers. Higgins Eternal, a black gouache or stick ink. Optional: Bring any of these you might already have: Dr. Martin’s Bleedproof white or pro white, Horizon brass pens, Coits, Automatics, Ruling writer, ruling pen, Parallel Pens, any folded pens.

Important: Bring palettes to hold at least 12 colors and saran wrap to cover your palette so you can take home the unusual gouaches given in class.

Supply Fee is $30.00 for the 25 sheet fine paper sampler, unusual gouaches & inks. A leakproof palette with 13 covered pockets can be purchased in class.