DIS Summer School 2023
An Engrossing Adventure
What is Summer School?
Summer School is a fun, lighthearted series of three short online calligraphy workshops held once a month between July and September 2023.
In each workshop, I’ll cover techniques I use in my work as a professional calligrapher. This year’s topic is the art of American Engrossing. (Like the artwork above!)
Enrollment Details »Workshop Descriptions:
How do I paint those traditional cloud backgrounds?
July 8th, 2023 | 9-11 am & 2-4 pm PDT
Watercolor washes and clouding have been used throughout the history of American Engrossing as eye-catching background treatments that fascinate and intrigue. In this two-session workshop (morning and afternoon), we will explore some basic watercolor techniques through the perspective of Engrossing art.
How can I create letters that are larger than my largest pen?
August 19th, 2023 | 9-11 am & 2-4 pm PDT
As engrossers, we are not limited to the letters that can be created naturally with single strokes of our pens! In this two-session workshop (morning and afternoon), we will investigate some simple lettering techniques that you can use to create larger, more intricate lettering forms to compliment your calligraphic works.
What calligraphic hand should I use in my engrossed work?
September 9th, 2023 | 9-11 am & 2-4 pm PDT
The body of an engrossed document is an excellent opportunity to show off your calligraphic ability alongside your lettering and painting techniques. Unfortunately, the historic Engrosser’s Text hands leave a lot to be desired in the way of system and consistency. In this two-session workshop (morning and afternoon), we will investigate a simple body style based on the calligraphic work of Charles Norder (1881-1979).
Summer School Details
Three four-hour online workshops — July 8th, August 19th, & September 9th. If you can’t make the live workshop, that’s fine! You will have access to recordings within one week of each class until October 31st, 2023.
Required Materials
Below are the materials that I will be using in each workshop. I encourage you to shop at your local art store and substitute brands as you see fit.
To participate alongside each workshop, you’ll need:
- Arches 140lb Hot Press Paper.
- A ruler with a beveled edge.
- A pencil and eraser.
- An adjustable ruling pen.
- A straight pen holder and a 2mm broad-edged pen.
- Watercolor brushes: Round #5 & Round #1
- Moon Palace sumi ink.
- Watercolor pigments: Payne’s Gray, Hooker’s Green, and Burnt Umber.
- A watercolor pallette or mixing tray.
- Masking tape
- A pointed pen of your choice (Hunt 101, LPEF, etc.)
- A small magnifying glass.
- A roll of paper towels.
- A computer with access to the internet.
DIS Endorsements
With students from all walks of life, the DIS community is filled with some pretty incredible people working towards amazing calligraphic skills. I’m extremely proud to have an abundance of supportive students who have endorsed the programs.
Enrollment Details
DIS Summer School 2023 is Sold Out.
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