IAMPETH 2024 - The Power and Elegance of Gothicized Italics - Patti Adams

Class Overview - All Skill Levels

In this class, you will learn about one of the most popular calligraphic hands, Gothicized Italic. Characterized by its rhythmic vibrancy, this lively script uses the compactness and energy of medieval Blackletter and the rhythmic elegance of Italic. Developed in the 1920s by the British typographer, calligrapher, and teacher Edward Johnston, it is sometimes referred to as Pointed Gothic or Black Italic and is based on the pointed O. We will explore the construction of minuscules, along with majuscule variations, and I will share with you my ideas on spacing, design, and flourishing when using these beautiful and imaginative letterforms. The late Sheila Waters was the master of this hand in my opinion, and developed this script into the elegant form of calligraphy that we all love to use today. You will see some fantastic examples of her work during the class, along with that of several other remarkable calligraphers.

CLASS SUPPLIES
• Pilot Parallel pen in 3.8 (green cap) (FP67)
• Pilot Parallel pen in 6.0 (blue cap) (FP67)
• Several black and colored Pilot Parallel ink cartridge (FP69, FP70)
• Two 2B pencils (sharpened) (PL38, PL2020)
• Rubber bands
• Ruler (S270)
• Soft eraser (E13)
• 2H pencil (PL38)
• Small water container (S1005)
• Paper towels
• Bring high-quality paper to use that is transparent enough to show exemplars and guidelines through (e.g. Pro Layout Marker by Canson, Borden & Riley #37, or Bienfang Graphics 360. Grid paper is OK to use as long as it doesn’t bleed.) (P09-50, P32, P41, P203)

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES
• 4 mm Brause nib (e.g. larger sized nibs commensurate with the Pilot 3.8 and 6.0 pens) (N02)
• Straight, round wooden nib holder (H112)
• Automatic pens, sizes 4 and 5 (N27)
• Non-waterproof ink (e.g. Higgins Eternal or Pelican 4001) (I04, I08)
• You can also bring a slant board or table top easel if you prefer. The slope can help with ink flow. (S752)