Modern Calligraphy Classes for Beginners Autumn/Winter 2023/24
Set your creativity in motion and learn to write beautifully at a modern calligraphy class for adults in Wells, Somerset.
The end of summer means making plans for calligraphy classes in the beautiful city of Wells in the heart of the Somerset countryside and not far from Bath, Bristol, Yeovil and Taunton.
Over the autumn and winter you’ll be able to use your new skills to while away those shorter days and slow down for the season of hibernation. These classes also make thoughtful presents so are available as gift vouchers too.
Tickets for the following calligraphy classes are available for sale on Thursday 21st September.
Three modern calligraphy classes for adults are planned at the inspiring Heritage Courtyard Studios and Gallery which is in the town centre, close the Cathedral and all the shops so you can make a day of it. The classes take place on Saturday mornings so you can visit the lively market too - perfect for scouting out those unique Christmas gifts.
Below you’ll find an outline of these classes, complete with tea and treats. All materials will be provided to use and I’ll be bringing my pop-up shop if you want to purchase your own supplies to continue on your calligraphy journey.
CALLIGRAPHY CLASS 1: INTRODUCTION TO MODERN CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS, SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2023
The October 14th calligraphy class is a new one for the curious which is perfect for complete beginners who want a taster of modern calligraphy.
You’ll get to try out 2 popular tools - the brush pen and the dip pen - deciding which one you like the most, but be warned…it’s likely you’ll fall in love with them both!
You’ll learn about the similarities and differences between the pens, along with variations amongst them, as you practice writing the alphabet and learn the unique way that letters are formed.
You’ll discover how instant the brush pen is before slowing down to indulge with a dip pen and ink and being oh-so satisfied when the nib makes contact with the paper.
CALLIGRAPHY CLASS 2: BRUSH PEN CALLIGRAPHY CLASS, SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER, 2023
The Brush Pen Calligraphy Workshop on November 18th is dedicated to using brush pens only - a perfect follow-up from the introductory lesson then we’ll go into more detail and learn to write words too. Alternatively, you can hop straight to this class if you know that brush pens are for you.
People generally find it easier to pick up brush pen calligraphy so it’s a great confidence booster if you want to get started on the right foot and not be put off. The benefits are that it’s instant - no waiting around for ink to dry - and it’s less technical than using a dip pen.
There are a few tricks to using a brush pen effectively that you won’t want to be without, but all will be revealed in this class. You’ll get all of the worksheets emailed to you after so you can continue practicing and you’ll be writing (if not making from scratch!) your Christmas cards in no time.
CALLIGRAPHY CLASS 3: Dip pen and ink modern calligraphy class, saturday 20th january, 2024
And finally there’ll be a Dip Pen and Ink Modern Calligraphy Class which requires more calm which is why it’s in the New Year on January 20th.
We’ll get a bit more technical as there are some non-negotiable rules - but not so much as to dampen the creative spirit.
Using a pointed dip pen takes time so we’ll slow right down, get all of the basics right then you’ll be away! Again, you’ll learn how to write the alphabet and begin to join letters into words as well as receiving a digital copy of the workbook to use at home so you can practice, practice, practice!
FAQs
If you have any more modern calligraphy questions please ask them in the comments below and I’ll endeavour to answer them.
What is modern calligraphy?
The modern calligraphy style is known for being free and easy with less emphasis on rules and more focus on expression. Yes - we’ll learn some rules, but we’ll also learn to break them and take things dow our own roads where the journey is just as important as the destination. It’s the contact with pen on paper and the magic that happens there that’s so appealing about modern calligraphy.
Do I need to have good handwriting to learn modern calligraphy?
A common myth and it’s easy to see why, but when you discover that calligraphy is more about creating a few consistent shapes with intention then you’ll see that it doesn’t matter if you have messy handwriting. The method to learning modern calligraphy is about re-learning so it’s best to put your handwriting out of your mind. Thankfully, my handwritten shopping list is worlds apart from my calligraphy!
Can I self learn calligraphy?
By all means, pick up a pen and start learning modern calligraphy for yourself, that’s what I did after all, but it’s not the most direct route and the danger is that you’ll become easily discouraged. Join me at one of my calligraphy classes and you’ll get to use the right tools, hear the top tips and receive instant feedback on your technique so you get started on the right foot. If you can’t make a class then you can still get the dip pen and ink calligraphy workbook that will guide you to learn modern calligraphy step by step.