Learning nice handwriting

[Alpha Moth]

I want to develop a nice, italic looking handwriting similar to the looks of my grandparents. I have the basic, neat school writing technique, but I'd like to develop a "style" in my penmanship.

 

I'm not sure where to start with this. What is the most common style to learn? I don't want anything extremely fancy. Chancery Italic looks ok.

 

What is the best way to learn it? Is there any practice sheets where I can print off and learn it?

 

Thanks

[caliken]

I'm not sure where to start with this. What is the most common style to learn? I don't want anything extremely fancy. Chancery Italic looks ok.

I think that Italic is an excellent choice as a basis for your handwriting.

If you look here you'll see the progress made so far by a fellow member at the start of the same journey as yourself.

At the top of this forum, you'll find Instructions in Chancery Italic by Ann Finley. Every letter is explained in detail, and the instructions are free!

 

good luck

 

caliken

Edited February 10, 2010 by caliken

[AD356]

Italic, Roman, or a basic German are all great styles to learn first. It is a basis for many many other types, and if you do any calligraphy it is often the body of the work.

The best way to learn writing styles is just to do them. That is copy them. I can't get the Guide sheet to print here, try the one at IAMPETH.com.

There are some free books to look at as well on that site, here Books Take a look at New Zanerian Alphabets this is a great book that gives some examples of a few styles and good advice on the popper way to practice. Another book and one of my favorites Studies in Pen Art, there is everything from amazing flourishing to simple styles here. It will not all be for you right now but it may give some good ideas in what styles you want to study.

 

Good luck

[Miles S]

I am glad someone else asked this question already. This forum is certainly an excellent resource for writing.

[zerobuttons]

.....

I'm not sure where to start with this.

.....

Have a look here, it could help you with some of your questions:

http://www.briem.net/

[Alpha Moth]

can anyone provide me with a work sheet with the alphabet of chancery italic?

 

edit: nevermind, i just read the chancery italic sticky...

 

what is the most basic kind of pen I can to achieve that kind of look? my ball point isn't enough for it i guess. I don't really want to spend a lot of money on a pen..

Edited February 11, 2010 by Alpha Moth

[caliken]

I want to develop a nice, italic looking handwriting similar to the looks of my grandparents. I have the basic, neat school writing technique, but I'd like to develop a "style" in my penmanship.

 

I'm not sure where to start with this. What is the most common style to learn? I don't want anything extremely fancy. Chancery Italic looks ok.

 

What is the best way to learn it? Is there any practice sheets where I can print off and learn it?

 

Thanks

 

It's worth searching for a copy of this book. It's head and shoulders above any other on the subject of Italic handwriting IMHO

 

caliken

 

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/Handwriting.jpg

[AD356]

Caliken, are Tom Gourdie's other books worth buying as well? This one is very hard to find and $$$.

[kenmc]

I have bought several handwriting books (including this one) on eBay for under ten bucks. I suppose some book shops acquire them and don't realize their value OR other book shops just try to gouge your eyes out. I also occasionally find some on half.com.

[kenmc]

It's worth searching for a copy of this book. It's head and shoulders above any other on the subject of Italic handwriting IMHO

caliken

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/Handwriting.jpg

I love that circular letter in this book - one day I am going to be able to do that - if I live long enough!

[caliken]

Caliken, are Tom Gourdie's other books worth buying as well? This one is very hard to find and $$$.

 

Although he produced books on other styles (I seem to remember seeing one on Blackletter) he is best remembered for his italic books and his extensive teaching through schools.

 

I have two of his books; 'Handwriting for Today (1971) and the earlier 'Italic Handwriting' (1955).

 

Both books are excellent but difficult to find. It is, however, possible to come across them relatively cheaply and they are well worth the effort of searching.

[Journaleur]

I have a xerox of Tom Gourdie's book Handwriting Made Easy: A Simple Modern Approach that I have been considering using to learn italic penmanship from for about the past 10 or more years. Does anyone know this title and how it compares with the two that Caliken has? This title seems aimed at elementary school students, thus a bit elementary. :embarrassed_smile:

My question is this: can I use this book or should I try to get a copy of one of Gourdie's other books?

 

As I said, I have been "considering" learning italic for years, but aside from very temporary efforts, I have yet to settle down and really practice. Gourdie seems to be a nice style, of all of the ones I have dabbled with. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

(By the way, I made the photo copy from a copy of Gourdie's book in the public library where I lived some years ago.)

[caliken]

can I use this book or should I try to get a copy of one of Gourdie's other books?

I am not familiar with this particular book, but I am sure that it will cover a lot of the same ground as the other publications; perhaps it was published later, with modifications.

 

In any case, if it's Italic and has Gourdie's name on it, I am sure that it'll serve your purpose ideally. Don't be put off by the title - a lot of his work was specifically directed at demystifying the whole process of handwriting in the italic style and he referred elsewhere to the "Simple Modern Hand".

 

The strength of Gourdie's italic method and teaching, was its directness and simplicity with very clear unambiguous statements. This clarity makes it very easy to follow and adhere to, with fairly rapid progress once the fundementals have been grasped.

 

good luck!

 

caliken