Contents
Calligraphy Basics
Calligraphy Pens
Calligraphy Paper
Calligraphy Ink
How to Get Set Up
How to Line Calligraphy Paper
How to Hold and Move Your Pen
Calligraphy Serifs
Calligraphy Scripts
The Italic Script
The Gothic Script
How to Correct Mistakes Made with Calligraphy Ink
Learn more with these titles from Barnes & Noble
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Calligraphy Scripts
There are hundreds of different calligraphy scripts (also called alphabets). Many, though not all, have both an uppercase version and a lowercase version. This chart will focus on the two most popular scripts, Gothic and Italic.
Key Traits of Calligraphic Scripts
In calligraphy, the different appearance of each script results primarily from differences in five key traits: x-height, ascender and descender height, nib angle, slant, and embellishments such as serifs. All calligraphy books, websites, and other resources include the specifications of these five traits for each script they cover. Some also include general guidelines for the width of the script’s letters.
Exemplars of Calligraphy Scripts
An exemplar of a calligraphy script is every letter in that script written out as an example. Some exemplars include the formed letters only, but others include helpful instructions for forming the letters. These instructions are called stroke guides.
Stroke Guides
A stroke guide is a system of numbered lines that shows the order and the direction in which to draw the strokes that form each letter. The exemplars in this guide all include stroke guides. The sample letter and stroke guide in this section shows a finished uppercase letter A in the Italic script (on the bottom) and its stroke guide (on the top). Notice that the stroke guide’s system of arrows and letters shows:
- The order in which to write the strokes, as indicated by the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4
- The direction in which to move the pen to form each stroke, as indicated by the arrows
How to Practice Calligraphy Scripts
Extensive practice is the only way to perfect your ability to draw calligraphy scripts. Your practice sessions should include the following guidelines:
- Line your paper: Though lining your paper may feel like a waste of time, it's the only way to ensure that you form your letters to the right height and to an attractive width (see How to Line Calligraphy Paper).
-
Follow the stroke guide: If you deviate from the stroke guide and try to draw the letters based on their appearance alone, you’ll have trouble forming the letters properly and will likely develop bad habits.
-
Use the proper form: Beginners often forget to hold and move the pen properly when focusing on learning new letters. Concentrating on the proper form will make drawing letters easier in the long run, even if it’s more difficult in the beginning (see How to Hold and Move Your Pen).
- Trace if necessary: If you’re having trouble forming letters on your own, trace some or all of the letters to help you get started. Follow the stroke guide, even when tracing.
| Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
Tags
No one has tagged this page yet... Be the first.. Log in using the link below and return to add your tag
