Perhaps no other tool encourages this more than the rebel ruling pen. This relatively new writing tool openly encourages a more adventurous (and less precious) approach to calligraphy.

Beginning with some simple and basic strokes of the ruling pen, we will build up, in a logical and gentle order, alphabets that have a healthy disregard for the conventional and safe approach. Written in either solid inks and/or subtle watercolors, they will offer a wonderful contrast to the smaller pen and pencil capitals to follow.

After the unpredictable and lively ruling pen letters we will move on to the delicate and quieter tiny capitals that whisper more than shout to the eye. These exquisite tiny letters require perhaps a more thoughtful approach and need subtle changes to their form, to the pen angle, and to the speed etc., but will repay this effort time and time again.

Throughout our time together, there will be exercises and projects to combine these two flavors of letterforms along with many demonstrations, short talks, and much sensitive tuition.

Supply List

• H or 2H and HB Pencil
• Layout and any better quality paper (Arches text wove, text laid and Arches MBM, Fabriano Ingres or any similar good quality paper with some tooth
• Black and/or walnut ink
• Wide range of nib sizes from Speedball C2, Brause, or Tape 2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1 mm, .75 mm or Mitchell Rexel sizes 3, 3.5, 4, and smaller if possible
• Any watercolor paints you may have, plus a tube of neutral tint
• Gouache paint in your color choice
• Palette
• Water pot
• Old brush to load pens
• Emory nib polishing paper and some fine sandpaper
• Ruling Pen; I will supply a folded ruling pen for each student should they wish ($5)
• Optional: Arkansas stone and some fine grain polishing paper (I will have some to use)