Debby Reelitz - Intro to Illumination - Nov 3, 10, 17; Dec 1, 8, 15, 2026

This is a fully revised class introducing the concept of illumination, decorated letters and borders. This is a nuts-and-bolts class on illumination. If you’ve always admired illuminated pages and never thought you could create one, this class is for you.

We will focus on the tools of the trade, building understanding and proficiency, moving through a series of exercises gaining in complexity over the six classes. Students are taught the ‘how’ so they can apply these skills to whatever style of illumination they want to create.

Some of the subjects we explore:

• Proper equipment and set-up Versals (Large decorated letters)
• Gouache (an opaque watercolor)
• Drawing with pointed nibs
• Shading
• Creating a border
• Creating creatures
• Correcting mistakes
• Knotted designs

Homework is designed to practice these skills leading students to be able to look at historical examples and create their own interpretation of a design.