Betina Naab - Writing Type: From Print to Pencil - May 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2026
With a pencil in hand, we will begin by exploring the foundational strokes that give these letters their character. Each line, each curve, will guide us toward a deeper understanding of the balance an…
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With a pencil in hand, we will begin by exploring the foundational strokes that give these letters their character. Each line, each curve, will guide us toward a deeper understanding of the balance and proportions that define humanist styles. We will start with pressure and release exercises, focusing on how subtle shifts in pressure create expressive, dynamic strokes. As we work, the hand will grow steady and the letters start to take shape.
Gradually, we will refine these forms, adding serifs and weight to the strokes. Drawing inspiration from the work of printing masters like Francesco Griffo and Nicolas Jenson, we’ll explore alternate shapes and subtle variations, infusing the letters with rhythm and life. The process is as much about discovery as it is about creation, with each adjustment revealing something new about the letters’ timeless appeal.
We’ll take a brief detour to explore other tools like fineliners, flexible nibs and Speedball B pens, opening up new possibilities for expression while staying true to the essence of the forms. By the end of the workshop, participants will bring everything together in effective and playfull compositions, combining tradition with personal creativity.
This workshop is perfect for those who love to draw and explore the subtleties of letterforms. With supportive guidance, handouts for research, and demonstrations, it’s an opportunity to connect with the artistry and history of humanist minuscules and printed type in a meaningful way.
Writing Type: From Print to Pencil
Betina Naab, Hosted By The Gentle Penman
Live (Also recorded for later viewing)
10, 17, 24 & 31 May 2026 (Sunday)
21:00 pm – 23:00 pm (Hong Kong Time)
Class Cost : HKD 1,170.00 or USD 150.00
Registration Link : https://www.thegentlepenman.com/writing-type-from-print-to-pencil
Supply List:
Pencils and Pens
- An assortment of graphite pencils in different hardness grades: HB,2B,3B etc (PL38)
- Two different sizes of black Fine liners, for example 0.05 or 0.1 and 0.4 (e.g. Unipin, Micron, Edding, Pizzini) (M216, M221)
- Several soft color pencils, including white (PL76, PL05)
- Spoon dip pen with pen holder, alternatively a copperplate nib (N50, N77, N72)
- Number 2 or 3 Round nIb (e.g. Speedball B, Brause Redis pen, etc) (N16, N130)
Inks and Media
- Red and white good quality gouache (e.g. Royal Talens, Winsor & Newton, Schmincke, etc) (SG27, WNG1)
- Walnut, sumi or ink of choice (S449, I70)
Paper
- Canson XL pad (orange cover) or Fabriano Skizzi in A3 or A4 format. You can substitute it with 10 to 15 loose sheets of a slightly textured drawing paper in A3 format. Ensure the paper has some grip (P2022, P108)
- One sheet of black, grey or blue Fabriano Ingres or Canson Mi Teintes paper (160g) About70x50cm (PS05, PS22)
- One or two sheets of A4 tracing paper (P43)
General Supplies
- Masking tape (S92)
- No.4 round brush to load the pen (BR104, BR26)
- Several dishes for ink and gouache (S747)
- Drop counter
- Water jars (S1695)
- Stand or rest for pens
- Cloth or kitchen paper
- Ruler (S270)
- Pencil sharpener (PL13, PL34)
- Eraser (E13, E09)
- A short phrase or text you enjoy writing
Please ensure your workspace is clear for the class. It’s important to work with free arm movement to avoid strain, and with good lighting to prevent shadows. Ideally, your work surface should be slightly padded—such as a layer of newspaper covered with a clean sheet, or a stack of paper to create a soft writing base. I’ll show you some options during the class. It’s best to work in a comfortable, well-lit space where you can move your paper freely and have full mobility of your arms and body
Shop supplies for this class:
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