First Step In Calligraphy

[eduardp]

Today after some period of waiting the nibs (some Gillott, a Leonardt EF Principal and some Hunt) finally arrived. I did my first try and the result you can see it in the picture. Feel free to comment and please help me with the ink. I also bought the Higgins Calligraphy, but I can not use it. It's like a river on paper. I read on the box that it can be diluted so I put water until I get 1:1 parts and the result is in the picture. What am I doing wrong?

[jbb]

I love your handwriting. Test your writing on a few different papers. I find that helps where dip pens are concerned.

[eduardp]

I love your handwriting. Test your writing on a few different papers. I find that helps where dip pens are concerned.

 

Thank you. I've just started so it's time to improve it. Unfortunately the only paper I have that behaves normally (no feathering, bleeding through) is Clairefontaine.

[melissa59]

Wow, you have beautiful writing!

[rodrigaj]

I'm not sure why you would want to dilute Higgins Calligraphy Ink since it is already pretty well watered down. I mistakenly bought a bottle of this and found that it was totally unsuitable for calligraphy. It has no depth to it. Its best to save it for practice sessions because it flows well and will not clog the pen nibs.

 

I have found the best black ink is that which you grind yourself from ink sticks. I have also found the Manuscript Ink (labeled on the cap as calligraphy black ink) to be good as well. Speedball makes there own ink as well which is quite good, but it does clog up the nibs.

 

The art teacher at my school uses plain india ink that she buys from Sax Arts and Crafts.

 

Beautiful handwriting, BTW.

Edited June 5, 2012 by rodrigaj

[beachwalker]

Today after some period of waiting the nibs (some Gillott, a Leonardt EF Principal and some Hunt) finally arrived. I did my first try and the result you can see it in the picture. Feel free to comment and please help me with the ink. I also bought the Higgins Calligraphy, but I can not use it. It's like a river on paper. I read on the box that it can be diluted so I put water until I get 1:1 parts and the result is in the picture. What am I doing wrong?

 

Good evening -

Rather than dilute with water, the addition of gum Arabic (20 drops to the Higgins bottle, if my memory serves) will improve the viscosity of the ink - or at least it does with Higgins Eternal ink. Check for details on gum arabic via Google and/or an arts materials web site. But I suspect that you'll hear soon from a FPNer who knows the details.

Regards, John

[lala123]

delete

Edited June 6, 2012 by lala123

[Najdorf]

First, very nice writing

Second, i use higgins and i had the same problem, it was at the beginning too thin to my taste

and i read somewhere that before involving gum arabic, to try and leave the bottle open for a day

to let the water vaporize, that helped.

 

if you didnt add water to the whole bottle, then do it, if you did, i say just use second jar and

mix some with gum arabic until it work for you.

 

also try different papers for practice.

im assuming you used the same nib for both inks.

 

anyway

its a small barrier...

[eduardp]

I thank you all for the nice words concerning the handwriting. I know I still have a lot to learn and practice, but I am more confident now.

 

Concerning the ink, I used only ~ 6 ml of the ink in a different jar and then added water until I get 12 ml of mixture. I will try to find in local art store to see if they've got gum arabic. If not I'll let the ink bottle open to see if it helps.

The last 2 lines are with Hunt 22B and the others with Hunt 56 and I forgot to mention the first lines are part of a poem in Romanian :embarrassed_smile:.

With the paper I have a problem. Locally I can't find quality paper, I got some Clairefontaine exercise-books bought from abroad that behave well. The others exercise-books I have are feathering so no good. And the printer paper I have behaves the same ( I search for 90g paper but was a disaster). I'll try to order some abroad but in UK, were I do most of my shopping, most of the online shops don't ship A4 paper. I'm still looking for a nice place to buy and any help will be appreciated, but please recommend me shops in the EU with US I have the tax problem.

[smk]

If that's your untrained hand I can't wait to see what you'll produce after learning the hand properly.

 

Getting the nib/ink/paper combination right was a bit of a challenge when starting out. Do experiment a lot, I have found papers that work well in some surprising, and not always expensive, places. Do you have any watercolor paper available where you are? I found some exercise books from my son's school took ink really well and were quite cheap!

 

I find Higgins to be very well behaved but if you have other inks working for you, just stick to them. Don't let one ink experience keep you from moving forward. The advice about adding Gum Arabic is good and inks usually behave with pointed pens with the addition of it.

 

BTW - have you cleaned your nibs of the protective oils before using them?

 

Which hand are you going to learn? Have you chosen instruction materials?

 

Salman

[beachwalker]

I thank you all for the nice words concerning the handwriting. I know I still have a lot to learn and practice, but I am more confident now.

 

Concerning the ink, I used only ~ 6 ml of the ink in a different jar and then added water until I get 12 ml of mixture. I will try to find in local art store to see if they've got gum arabic. If not I'll let the ink bottle open to see if it helps.

The last 2 lines are with Hunt 22B and the others with Hunt 56 and I forgot to mention the first lines are part of a poem in Romanian :embarrassed_smile:.

With the paper I have a problem. Locally I can't find quality paper, I got some Clairefontaine exercise-books bought from abroad that behave well. The others exercise-books I have are feathering so no good. And the printer paper I have behaves the same ( I search for 90g paper but was a disaster). I'll try to order some abroad but in UK, were I do most of my shopping, most of the online shops don't ship A4 paper. I'm still looking for a nice place to buy and any help will be appreciated, but please recommend me shops in the EU with US I have the tax problem.

 

In your search for paper, don't over look the sketch pads in art supply shops. Seek out pads intended for pen/ink, watercolor, and mixed media. Try to find the smoothest, and if given a choice, hot pressed is much better than cold pressed. This isn't the kind of paper you'll send a letter on, but it's much more reasonable in cost. For practice, seek out some grid or graph paper - it helps a great deal in keeping you on the level with decent spacing.

 

Love your hand - I wish my own were as elegant.

[eduardp]

smk and beachwalker thank you for all your advices. You really made me happy this afternoon. I never took into account an art supply shop . I found some sketch-pads that are perfect for practice and not so expensive. So . I did not find Gum Arabic, but for the moment I'll try to see if letting open the bottle helps and for the moment I am satisfied with Pelikan Brilliant Red.

I cleaned my nibs before using them (with toothpaste and then flushed them).

Anyway today is another day and I start to get acquaintance with the nib. Can I say that yesterday in my excitement I almost bent one because of two much pressure ?

I enjoy it so much that I want to write without stop although my hand hurts a little. I'd really love to learn Copperplate and I'll try watching youtube videos, searching for samples from other people. For the moment the buget is so tight I can not buy any learning material. I'll see how it goes from here.

Once again I thank you again to all of you and I'll keep you informed of my progress and any advice is welcome.

[smk]

eduardp - you can do very well with freely available instructions. I used the instruction from W.A. Baird and Dr. Joe Vitolo (instructions and videos) available here: IAMPETH.com: Lessons.

 

Salman

 

ps: be prepared to spend as much time as it takes on the basic exercises - it really does help a lot with the letters - which are just a combination of the basic strokes.

Edited June 6, 2012 by smk

[eduardp]

eduardp - you can do very well with freely available instructions. I used the instruction from W.A. Baird and Dr. Joe Vitolo (instructions and videos) available here: IAMPETH.com: Lessons.

 

Salman

 

ps: be prepared to spend as much time as it takes on the basic exercises - it really does help a lot with the letters - which are just a combination of the basic strokes.

 

Thank you. I forgot about Iampeth. I found some books and they are really great. I'll try to take it easy. This is one of my flaws - I'm not so patient, but this time I'll try harder.

I looked on your blog and I am really impressed. Hope one day I'll be able to be near good as you are.

 

 

[beachwalker]

Good luck!

I find Copperplate both a challenge and a way to relax. Don't overlook some of the threads in this area. There are some very talented members here who have provided both inspiration and guidance. And keep looking for the gum Arabic. It's not cheap, unfortunately, but a bottle will keep you happy for many sessions. Check with some one with experience as to the proper amount to add - I'm sure that there are several folks here that can help. And given its cost and relatively small amount needed, perhaps teaming with a watercolor artist for a swap for some, or going together to split the cost might make the cost easier.

PS -when looking for this in an art shop, check where the watercolor paints are displayed. It's not usually kept with the solvents and mediums.

[eduardp]

Good luck!

I find Copperplate both a challenge and a way to relax. Don't overlook some of the threads in this area. There are some very talented members here who have provided both inspiration and guidance. And keep looking for the gum Arabic. It's not cheap, unfortunately, but a bottle will keep you happy for many sessions. Check with some one with experience as to the proper amount to add - I'm sure that there are several folks here that can help. And given its cost and relatively small amount needed, perhaps teaming with a watercolor artist for a swap for some, or going together to split the cost might make the cost easier.

PS -when looking for this in an art shop, check where the watercolor paints are displayed. It's not usually kept with the solvents and mediums.

 

You are right. I think it will be a real challenge, but it is already relaxing and if it is pleasure the work and time involved don't matter. I've already gathered learning material and in the weekend I'll start learning the proper way, with method. Till then a little bit of play

Concerning the Gum Arabic I'll do it on my next online order. It is not so expensive, but coming from UK I want to buy something else in order to compensate for the shipping costs.

[fiberdrunk]

The John Neal Bookseller website says to "add a few drops of gum arabic," as others have mentioned. Good luck! You're writing is beautiful, by the way!!

Edited June 7, 2012 by fiberdrunk

[Mickey]

Good luck!

I find Copperplate both a challenge and a way to relax. Don't overlook some of the threads in this area. There are some very talented members here who have provided both inspiration and guidance. And keep looking for the gum Arabic. It's not cheap, unfortunately, but a bottle will keep you happy for many sessions. Check with some one with experience as to the proper amount to add - I'm sure that there are several folks here that can help. And given its cost and relatively small amount needed, perhaps teaming with a watercolor artist for a swap for some, or going together to split the cost might make the cost easier.

PS -when looking for this in an art shop, check where the watercolor paints are displayed. It's not usually kept with the solvents and mediums.

 

You are right. I think it will be a real challenge, but it is already relaxing and if it is pleasure the work and time involved don't matter. I've already gathered learning material and in the weekend I'll start learning the proper way, with method. Till then a little bit of play

Concerning the Gum Arabic I'll do it on my next online order. It is not so expensive, but coming from UK I want to buy something else in order to compensate for the shipping costs.

 

If you're ordering from the UK, why not get Blots Iron Gall ink. IG inks are the preferred ink for many penman doing Copperplate and Spencerian. No gum Arabic required. BTW, don't forget to clean your pen points before you first use them.

 

http://www.blotspens.co.uk/acatalog/calligraphy_inks_page.html

[beachwalker]

Good luck!

I find Copperplate both a challenge and a way to relax. Don't overlook some of the threads in this area. There are some very talented members here who have provided both inspiration and guidance. And keep looking for the gum Arabic. It's not cheap, unfortunately, but a bottle will keep you happy for many sessions. Check with some one with experience as to the proper amount to add - I'm sure that there are several folks here that can help. And given its cost and relatively small amount needed, perhaps teaming with a watercolor artist for a swap for some, or going together to split the cost might make the cost easier.

PS -when looking for this in an art shop, check where the watercolor paints are displayed. It's not usually kept with the solvents and mediums.

 

You are right. I think it will be a real challenge, but it is already relaxing and if it is pleasure the work and time involved don't matter. I've already gathered learning material and in the weekend I'll start learning the proper way, with method. Till then a little bit of play

Concerning the Gum Arabic I'll do it on my next online order. It is not so expensive, but coming from UK I want to buy something else in order to compensate for the shipping costs.

 

I'm glad to here that getting the gum Arabic is possible for you - as to the amount to add, in the thread " Learning Copperplate" further down in this forum, the ratio of 12 drops to a bottle of Higgens is given. Looking over some class notes from a class I took this spring I have "approximately 15 drops for a bottle".

 

Speaking of the "Learning Copperplate" thread, I cannot encourage you enough to spend the time it takes to go through all 17 pages - carefully, taking notes along the way. Salman (SMK), who commented to you above, has become a master, if not of the technique (I think he is) then certainly of guiding folks along the way in that thread. It's my hope that that thread remains alive, especially now that I'm pretty close to climbing aboard - as you should as well.

Let's see if we can keep that thread going - there must be more of us who are beginning - or close to beginning - that can learn from that thread AND EACH OTHER and add to it as we go along. I look forward to seeing more of your work, and I promise to share my efforts - perhaps we can meet 'over there.'

 

Have fun. John

[eduardp]

If you're ordering from the UK, why not get Blots Iron Gall ink. IG inks are the preferred ink for many penman doing Copperplate and Spencerian. No gum Arabic required. BTW, don't forget to clean your pen points before you first use them.

 

http://www.blotspens..._inks_page.html

 

I did not hear about this ink. I shall try it next, but for the moment I have some bottles of Higgins which I do not want to waste or forget about them in a drawer.

 

 

I'm glad to here that getting the gum Arabic is possible for you - as to the amount to add, in the thread " Learning Copperplate" further down in this forum, the ratio of 12 drops to a bottle of Higgens is given. Looking over some class notes from a class I took this spring I have "approximately 15 drops for a bottle".

 

Speaking of the "Learning Copperplate" thread, I cannot encourage you enough to spend the time it takes to go through all 17 pages - carefully, taking notes along the way. Salman (SMK), who commented to you above, has become a master, if not of the technique (I think he is) then certainly of guiding folks along the way in that thread. It's my hope that that thread remains alive, especially now that I'm pretty close to climbing aboard - as you should as well.

Let's see if we can keep that thread going - there must be more of us who are beginning - or close to beginning - that can learn from that thread AND EACH OTHER and add to it as we go along. I look forward to seeing more of your work, and I promise to share my efforts - perhaps we can meet 'over there.'

 

Have fun. John

 

Actually that it was what I did yesterday - reading all the 17 pages with paper near me. A lot of interesting stuffs there and I hope to avoid some difficulties the other had by knowing them. You are totally right about Salman. The day before yesterday I was looking at his blog and was amazed, but after reading the thread he started I become more confident and I really apreciate what him and caliken did. I gathered material (books from IAMPETH and some examples from the mentioned thread) and in weekend I'll start my lessons.

It's great that you want to join the thread and we'll be together in the same boat so I can't wait to meet you there too. Anyhow I thank you a lot for all the advices that helped me a lot in the last days and "see" you soon.