Visigothic Versals

Description

Perched on the tiptoes of the middle ages stand the tall and slender Visigothic Versals; the exclusive and independent lettering tradition unique to early medieval Spain. Visigothic Versals adorn the Christian manuscripts written in the golden age of Spain when the Ottoman empire of the east met the Holy Roman Empire of the west. We begin by looking at slides of original manuscripts to discover and discuss the letters, ligatures and layouts. The letterforms are gently introduced via the friendly pencil on grid paper. (Hooray, no guide lines) Next are Ligatures that are fun and aid us in controlling line lengths. The pièce de résistance is a set of uniquely decorative Visigothic capitals. This interesting lettering course invites and encourages your creativity, offers an opportunity to learn a national hand, and will heighten your sense of visual balance and symmetry, and best of all is a lot of fun. Your project will be original, personal and expressive. Class includes slide references from Spain and Morocco, examples of student work, books and website references.

Supplies

• Eraser (Moo eraser is a favorite)
• Gouache, black + mixing brush and 6-cup plastic mixing palette
• Highlighter, yellow
• Light Box
• Micron pens – red #8 is preferred (to outline your Zoomorphic or decorative element)

Nibs

Bring your favorites – I like the flexibility of Mitchell nibs for Versals

• Brause – #1 and #1-1/2 or equivalent
• Mitchell – in the #4 range.
• Plus optional sizes for variations

Papers

• Grid paper – 4sq to 1″
• Tracing paper
• Lettering paper – a minimum of two sheets of your choice of writing paper (such as Arches Text Wove). Minimum size is 9″ x 12″, keeping in mind the size will vary according to length of the quotation.

Pencils

• 2-B mechanical
• Hard lead (for precise for ruling)

• Quotation or poem of your choice consisting of a minimum of 15 words that you love.
• Plus an alternative quote
• Scissors
• T-Square or Ruler (or what you use when making guide lines)
• Tape, any brand as long as it’s not too sticky (I use artists white tape)
• Water – with a distributor, such as an eye dropper, pipette or distribution bottle.
• Paper towels
• Watercolors and small round pointed paint brushes, selection ranging from #000 to #2
  (See Options below for alternatives)
• X-acto and cutting board

Optional

Color pencils, gouache, metallic watercolors, magnifying glasses, writing board

Risa Gettler

Click on photo to visit biography page
www.risagettler.art