Calligraphy – italics, variations and flourishes with Gaynor Goffe

Ref: SLW30066

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About this course

Study basic italic, flourish design, contemporary italic variations or italic capitals in this versatile script, under the guidance of an experienced tutor. Explore layout and colour in short texts.

Course Description

Italic is one of the most useful, versatile and enjoyable scripts for calligraphers. Depending on your starting point, you can study basic italic, flourish design, contemporary italic variations, or italic capitals – plain, flourished and San Vito Renaissance capitals and their use. Layout and design of short texts using colour in the pen and background will also be explored.

This experienced tutor gives group demonstrations and individual help throughout the course. Tutor-led projects will vary according to your own calligraphic experience. As much of the teaching will be on a one-to-one basis, you are invited to bring any of your past calligraphy work for constructive advice and feedback from the tutor, if you wish.

The tutor will give demonstrations on one or more evenings and you may continue to work on projects into the evening if you wish.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • A3 pad of smooth surface drawing paper as recommended by the tutor and masking tape.

What students need to bring

  • Any other calligraphy tools you already have e.g. automatic pen
  • Tissues
  • If you wish, bring one or two pieces of your calligraphy for feedback (optional).

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Rexel/Mitchell square-edged nibs, in a range of sizes, especially 2, 2½, 3, 3½
  • Pen holders
  • Pelikan 4001 black ink
  • Slippon reservoirs
  • Small mixing palette and brush
  • 1 or 2 (or more) tubes Winsor & Newton designer's gouache
  • A3 layout paper pad 50gsm/80lb (Goldline)
  • 1 or 2 sheets Fabriano hot pressed paper, 140lb weight
  • Ruler
  • HB Pencil
  • Craft knife and scissors
  • Pritt glue stick

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Tutors

Gaynor Goffe

Gaynor Goffe has been a professional calligrapher and teacher for 35 years. She trained in Calligraphy,
Illumination & Heraldry in the mid 1970's at Reigate School of Art & Design, then spent three years as assistant to Donald Jackson. She taught calligraphy at the Roehampton Institute and on many short courses in Britain and abroad. Publications include 'Calligraphy Made Easy 'published by Paragon/Robinson, and 'Calligraphy Step By Step' by Harper Collins. Gaynor is a fellow of the Calligraphy & Lettering Arts Society, the Society of Scribes & Illuminators and a full member of Letter Exchange.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.