Spontaneous Creation

Description

Most calligraphers learn to carefully plan and execute their designs. In this workshop, we create as we go, making design decisions on the fly, as many fine artists do. We let the art tell us what’s next. We start with an idea and a plan but remain open to change as we create the work. There is an emphasis on using letters as design elements, shapes, textures, and structural components to build a composition. Numerous exercises, instruction and demonstrations, and handouts will guide you through this process. Collage is one of the exercises.

Supplies

• At least two 11×14” sheets of Arches Text Wove or comparable (extra is nice)
• At least two 11×14” sheets cold press watercolor paper (I like Arches 140 lb.)
• 80# Strathmore 400 Drawing Pad, 11×14”
• Black calligraphy ink, such as Higgins Eternal (or comparable); Sumi ink (I like Yasutomo or Moon Palace); Quink (optional: I like Blue and Blue-Black)
• Walnut ink
• White calligraphy ink (I like Dr. Martin’s Bleedproof White and Permanent White gouache)
• A few color inks: I recommend Dr. Martin’s Tech Drawing inks (various colors, non-acrylic). Note: Dr. Martin’s Bombay waterproof India inks and/or any color inks with eye dropper top will also do, even if acrylic inks. 
• Color pencils (Prismacolor are best) and/or dry pastels (a few colors) – optional, but good to have.
• Some favorite gouaches and watercolors
• Stiff and flexible pointed pens (I like Nikko G) and other favorite pens
• Ruling pen, cola pen, other unusual writing tools (optional, but recommended)
• Speedball C2 through C5 nib pens; favorite small Mitchell or Brause nibs, or comparable
• Automatic pens (1/2” to 1”) or comparable (Optional, but highly recommended)
• Favorite pointed brushes (for applying watercolor and gouache) and flat brushes (for wash and broad strokes)
• Any collage materials you have (including thin sheets of white paper, semi-transparent or not, newspaper, phone book); if possible, prepare painted papers and pages of large calligraphic marks and letters in black ink
• Any glues (if you have) and glue brushes; I like Sobo and Yes glues, as well as matte medium and Elmer’s Art Paste, but glue stick will also work
• Scissors and/ or x-acto (small cutting mat if you have one)

Optional

• 11×14″ Tracing Paper Pad (better still is Dura-Lar wet media film, 11×14” pad)
• 11×14” Stonehenge (cream) paper
• Cheap Chinese pointed brushes (optional, but nice to have)

Mike Gold

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