Print this page Calligraphy for Beginners: Copperplate Script

This course is designed to introduce people to the Art of Calligraphy, its rich history and an understanding of the development of our Modern Alphabet. This term the focus will be on the beautiful Copperplate hand and variations of this script. We will start with gaining an understanding of working with a pointed nib continuing to refine our calligraphic technique by focusing on letter construction, slope and spatial awareness. This course is designed for beginners.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

MATERIALS LIST

• A4 or A3 layout pad
• Copperplate or pointed pen nib- Zebra G nib recommended
• Pen holder – either straight pen holder or an oblique holder specifically for Copperplate
• Ink- Black Sumi ink or Chinese stick ink
• Coloured inks, gouache
• Ruler, pencil HB
• Water jar, rag.
• Other supplies will be advised if needed throughout the course.  

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.

COURSE OUTLINE

Calligraphy Kit available for new students for $30 (not included in course fee)

• Introduction to writing with a pointed pen.
• Introduction to the Copperplate script, its style, letter construction and characteristics.
• We will continue to study letter form, spacing and joining of letters
• Study Capitals and their origins and combine them with the lower-case letters.
• Study flourishing and apply this to the Capitals
• Study numerals
• We will introduce colour, layout and design skills with the idea of combining all of the above to produce a small piece of work

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Write with a pointed pen.
• Construct letters and numerals of the Copperplate hand.
• Copperplate variations
• Achieve spatial awareness
• Achieve analytical skills for letter form and shape
• Achieve an understanding of layout and design skills
• Be able to apply all learned skills to a piece of work or project.