Calligraphy means ‘beautiful writing’. The italic hand is an elegant Renaissance style known by many names such as chancery cursive and running hand. Its graceful arching forms reflect the architecture of the time. Considered to be the height of refinement in its day, this classical hand remains among the most useful and beautiful for our modern purposes.

In this hands-on class, students learn the fundamentals of handling the tools of the calligrapher and gain basic competency in letter anatomy, ductus, spacing, and basic page layout. The class will be conducted with detailed demonstrations and lectures, practice time and one-on-one and group feedback each week.

Although this class is geared toward beginners, all levels and lefties are welcome.

Required Materials (prices vary widely, so check for sales with different vendors):

• Pad of 50 sheets of 11" x 14" translucent layout bond such as Borden & Riley #37 or Bienfang 360 Marker Paper
• Black non-waterproof ink such as Higgins Eternal or Pelikan 4001
• 6H pencil
• 18" T-Square
• Brause C nibs 4mm, 3mm, 2.5 mm (optionally: set of 9)
• Straight nib holder such as Koh-i-noor cork tipped penholder or any wood holder (not one for crow quills)
• soft cotton rag
• drafting tape
• Optionally: a portfolio to carry your materials

Registration for fall classes opens on Wednesday, August 28.

Class size is limited to 16 students