Akim Variations and Long Compositions

1-Day (4+ hour) Workshop Available through June 1, 2022

Intermediate – Advanced
Lettering • Design

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Description

‘Akim Cursive’ is a hand created by calligrapher Hans-Joachim Burgert and is said to replicate the rhythm of the human heart.

We briefly explore Burgert’s version, then move into more expressive variations using several different tools. Once students become familiar with working on the variations, we begin writing longer texts and compositions, focusing on the rhythmic patterns for which Akim is known.

We also look more closely at Burgert’s abstract compositions and create larger pieces which mimic his style.

Supplies

NOTE: All supplies listed, except a fine point Sharpie marker or ballpoint pen and some practice paper, are optional. Akim can be done with a very simple monoline tool. However, I will be showing all of these tools in my demos. And adding color. If you don’t have the time or money to order them, no worries. You can still do all the exercises.

(U.S. residents: John Neal Bookseller has most of these supplies.)

Any type of ruling pen (e.g., Ruling Writer, Handwritmic, Dreaming Dogs, etc.)
Any type of folded pen (e.g., Luthis, Tim’s, handmade cola pen)
Any pointed nib and straight holder
1 fine point black marker like Pigma Micron in Size 01 or a Sharpie
Small bottle of black sumi, walnut, or other ink and cups for ink (try several if you have them)
Small bottle of distilled water (to dilute sumi if necessary)
Fineline Applicator (completely optional)
30 ml jar of Dr. Martin’s or Winsor & Newton Bleedproof White or a small tube of white gouache and cup to mix
Small bottle each of black sumi and walnut ink, plus cups for ink
2-3 tubes or bottles of your favorite watercolors
One inexpensive flat (1/8″) watercolor brush (Simply Simmons is a good brand)
One inexpensive pointed watercolor brush
6-well paint palette
Metallic gold watercolor (e.g., Schmincke Horadam Gold, Daniel Smith Iridescent Gold, Finetec metallics, etc.)
Metallic Schmincke Dry Gouache Sec or Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments (to sprinkle into wet media)
Lots of practice paper with some tooth, preferably 11″ x 17″ or 12″ x 18″.* (Pacon Sulphite drawing paper (80lb. or 90lb.) is good because it has a bit of texture. (Available on DickBlick.com and Amazon.) Don’t use really smooth paper. A pad of Strathmore 400 Series Drawing paper is another option.)
A few of your favorite colored pencils
A few small sheets of your favorite nice papers to try out ink and tools. Whatever you have in your stash. One white, one color, and one black. (Suggestions: Arches Text Wove, Nideggen, Bugra, Tiziano, Arches Black Cover, Artagain Black, Papier Canal Montréal, etc.)
Water container (for cleaning tools)
Roll of paper towels