The Humanist Script is one of the most graceful calligraphic hands to emerge from the Renaissance, valued for its clarity, balance and timeless beauty. This beginner-friendly course introduces students to this classic script through hands-on practice and guided instruction. You will learn how to work confidently with a chisel-shaped nib, developing control through an understanding of pen angles, letter construction and spatial awareness. Step by step, the course builds your skills in forming consistent letter shapes while sharpening your eye for proportion and spacing. Alongside writing practice, the course explores decorative white vine work - an elegant ornamentation characteristic of the period - and introduces basic principles of layout and design to help you create a finished piece of calligraphy. No prior experience is required. This course is ideal for anyone curious about calligraphy, historical scripts, or the satisfaction of working slowly and creatively with the hand. A Calligraphy kit will be available for purchase from the tutor for $35 so that correct materials can be purchased. Please note that this is not included in course fees nor is the purchase of this kit compulsory.
- Introduction to writing with a chisel-shaped nib and brush by creating strokes that make up the script
- Introduction to the Humanist Script, its style, letter construction and characteristics.
- We will continue to study letter form and spacing and further refine our skills.
- We will study white vine work a decoration of this period
- We will look at various designs and layouts to create a piece of work
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Write with a chisel shaped nib
- Construct letters of the hands
- Achieve spatial awareness
- Achieve analytical skills for letter form and shape
- Achieve an understanding of design and layout.
- A4 or A3 BOND layout pad
- Calli Duo texta- double ended - 2mm & 3.5mm for complete beginners (ECKERSLEYS stock them).
- Pen holder – SPEEDBALL or any brand for Broad edge nibs.
- Broad edge nibs 3mm & 2mm brands such as BRAUSE OR SPEEDBALL C sizes 1 & 3
- Ink- Black Sumi or Chinese ink – ANY ART STORE SHOULD STOCK THESE INKS
- Ruler, pencil HB
- Water jar, rag
NB: LEFT HANDERS WILL NEED TO PURCHASE LEFT HAND NIBS AS THEY ARE CUT FOR LEFT HANDERS. PILOT PARALLEL PENS ARE AN OPTION FOR LEFT HANDERS TOO.
IMPORTANT: Please arrive to the first class with all the relevant materials. A lack of materials is not just a handicap to you but to the ability to teach. Materials cost is not included in a course fee. In the event of a course being cancelled WEA cannot be held responsible for the purchase of any course materials. We therefore suggest you purchase your materials closer to the time of the course commencing.
The following stockists are examples of places where you can purchase art materials for your course:
- Art on King: 199-201 King Street, Newtown. Ph: 9516 2342
- Eckersley's Art and Craft Store: 93 York Street, Sydney. Ph: 9299 4151. Also located in various locations throughout Greater Sydney. WEA students receive a 10% discount on materials required for their course at the York Street store when showing their course confirmation email.
- Parkers Art Supplies: 3 Cambridge Street, The Rocks. Ph: 9247 9979
- The Art Scene: 914 Victoria Road, West Ryde. Ph: 9807 6900
- The Sydney Art Store: 11 Salisbury Street, Botany. Ph: 9699 2162
You can also purchase materials from places such as Dymocks, Officeworks, Spotlight, Lincraft or online art suppliers such as Art Shed Online.
