ROMAN HOLIDAY 2024 - Mike Kecseg - Contemporary Pointed Pen

Contemporary Pointed Pen by Mike Kecseg – Level: (I/A) Intermediate/Advanced

Since the early 19th century when steel flexible pointed pens were introduced, they were used to create traditional letterforms. In the last few years many calligraphers have expanded that idea to use the pointed pen to create modern expressive styles. In this class we will explore the many exciting possibilities the flexible pointed pen can offer if you’re willing to break with tradition and create forms that are more contemporary. We will begin by concentrating not on letterforms but on making marks as a way to gain control over the tool and understand its unique qualities. Gradually we will work towards translating these marks into letterforms through a series of exercises. We will learn to develop confidence with the pointed pen while understanding it’s creative potential.

Class Supplies

• (N77, N72, N81, N113, N120, N220) 5-10 pointed pen nibs of your choice (e.g. Hunt #101, Gillott #303, Hiro #41, Nikko “G”, Leonardt EF Principal or your favorite pointed nib)
• (H97, H129, H114) Oblique pen holder
• (H105, H111, H113) Straight pen holder
• (I70, I08, I37) Black ink of your choice (e.g. Moon Palace Sumi, Higgins Eternal, McCaffrey’s black; or an ink stick & grinding stone if you own one)
• (P22, P32, P09-50) Graph paper with 1/8” squares or good quality layout paper. Size of paper is unimportant but should be at least 8.5” X 11” (e.g. JNB graph pad, Paper & Ink grid pad, Borden & Riley 37 marker layout, Canson Pro Marker layout)
• (PS42, PS61, PS22, PS112) 1-2 sheets or half sheets of a quality art paper (e.g. Arches HP, Canson Mi-Tientes or your favorite art paper)
• (PL38) Soft pencil (examples: 2B, 3B)
• (S270) Straight edge
• (S632) Protractor or adjustable triangle
• (S1158, S853) Mixing tray, mixing cups or dinky dips
• (BR43) Mixing brush
• (HG749, WNG1, I38, I153, I28) Gouache or 2-3 colored inks (white or Dr. PH Martin’s bleedproof white, black and 2-3 colors of your choice if using gouache)
• A few paper towels
• (S1005) Small water container or bottle
• (S753) Optional supplies: T-square and drawing board