IAMPETH 2023 - Luminous Letter - Heather Held

Luminous Letter - All Levels

Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts are filled with vibrant and fanciful initials. Taking cues from these historic manuscripts as well as the opulence of the Victorian era we will create our own beautiful designs. Students will be guided through all the stages of designing, gilding, and painting these Luminous Letters. The initials themselves are easy to draw and we will find ways to adorn the letter with florals, foliates, pen flourishes and surprising delights. We will use a simple gilding technique with 23K gold leaf and watercolour to bring ourletters to life. These letters can be as simple or as complex as you like, and the possibilities are endless. Open the wonderful world of illumination through these gorgeous letters.

Class Supplies

Drawing Stage:

• Gridded drawing paper (P22) (P55)
• Mechanical Pencil (PL21)
• Eraser (E13)
• Small portable light pad to transfer your drawing (S1013)
• Tracing paper (P112) (P43)
• 4B pencil. (If you are already familiar with drawing, you can draw directly onyour art paper without the aid of tracing paper or a light pad.) (PL38)
• 2 pieces of Hot Press 140 lb watercolour paper cut to 5”x7” (PA47-57)

Inking Stage:

• Waterproof brown ink such as McCaffery Brown or Ziller Buffalo Brown. (I28) (I37)
• Medium Flexible nib such as Zebra G in straight holder (N118) (H111)

Gilding Stage:

• Kohlner Miniatum Ink Gilding Size small (S983)
• Synthetic brush Size 0 Taper Point Clay shaper tool for applying (BR61)
• Sheet of 23K gold transfer leaf. Students can choose to use gold watercolour if they prefer not to invest in gilding supplies. (S189-5) (S1000)

Painting Stage:

• Your favourite watercolours. Any colours will work but red/pink, blue, and greens are safe choices. A helpful addition to your palette is Titanium White watercolour. (S994) (WNWC1-4)
• Small white china/porcelain plate to serve as palette (S1091)
• Small Pointed Round Watercolour Brush. I use Winsor Newton Series 7 Miniature Sizes 1 and 2 but any small brush will work. (BR28)
• Water dish (S1005)
• Paper towel or kitchen cloth

Optional Embellishments:

• Sakura Gelly Roll Pen Clear Stardust (M96-2)
• Metallic watercolours (S1000) (WNWC-MS)
• Swarovski Crystals size ss5 (these require an adhesive such as Beacon Gem Tac Glue).