ROMAN HOLIDAY 2024 - ONLINE - Gaynor Goffe - Creative Versals Variations

Creative Versals Variations by Gaynor Goffe – Level: (A) All levels

Note: This class offering is ONLINE. Online participants will choose a total of 30 hours of online instruction (two 15-hour classes or one 30-hour class) via live and/or recorded participation. Schedule will be posted prior to class selection.

This class will develop a range of possibilities with compound capitals, built up with a narrow edged-nib in the method used historically to write versals. It is suitable for those with some calligraphy experience, and would be useful but not essential to have some practical knowledge of writing versals. There are many fine 9th century examples of versals, some can be found in Stan Knight’s book Historical Scripts. These letters in their classical form are useful in contemporary work especially for short texts, as well as line beginnings, and also provide good exercise in skill building with a narrow nib.

Starting with versals based on monoline Roman capital forms we will consolidate knowledge and practice of the building up technique, giving a sound basis from which to make creative departures. The first stage of these letterform explorations will include variations in letter size/ weight/proportion/slope/movement and their use in words/phrases and brief texts.

The next and main creative area of exploration will be developing personal letterforms and using them in a variety of textures with brief texts. Colour and colour change in the pen will be included in the course, and the use of different nib sizes.

Class Supplies:

• A3 cartridge pad
• Winsor & Newton smooth surface cartridge paper 70lb recommended, but 60 or 100lb is ok; or a similar sheet that gives sharp lettering
• Pen holders
• N04, N07. Square nibs in the following sizes: William Mitchell ‘roundhand’ nibs in 4, 3.5, 3 or equivalent for other makes (as a rough guide widths of 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm). Any additional narrow square nibs would be useful. Reservoirs, if needed, i.e. for William Mitchell nibs.
• N05. Left-oblique nibs for left-handers
• I04. I70. Black ink: e.g. Pelikan 4001, Sumi ink, or whatever ink you usually use as long as it gives crisp lines on your selected paper.
• PL39. HB pencil
• S270. Ruler
• E13. Eraser
• S419. Craft (X-acto) knife
• S1662. Scissors
• WNG1-4. SG27. HG749. 2 or 3 tubes of designer’s gouache, (Winsor & Newton recommended) in any colours that flow well: e.g. ultramarine, turquoise, lemon yellow, alizarin crimson, spectrum red. Other suitable brands: Schmincke, Talens etc.
• S679. Small mixing palette with compartments
• BR43. Cheap mixing brush
• S1005. Water pot
• Tissues
• Micropore tape from chemists if using William Mitchell nibs (reservoir fitting mini recording available on request).