ROMAN HOLIDAY 2024 - Mike Kecseg - Copperplate from A to Z

Copperplate from A to Z by Mike Kecseg – Level: (A) All levels

Pointed Pen Scripts have become more popular in the last few years. It seems everyone enjoys doing modern scripts and personal variations, yet fail to have a strong foundation on which to base their letterforms. This class will provide an understanding of a basic copperplate which can serve as the foundation for many more expressive scripts. We will begin with the fundamentals, including step-by-step instruction of the basic strokes, the minuscules and the capitals. Once the basics have been covered, we’ll work on developing this beautiful hand into short quotes and blocks of text. Demonstrations and discussions on the best nibs, inks and papers to use, flourishing, and hints for doing envelope work will also be presented. This class is good for beginners or those with experience who would like to improve their skills.

Class Supplies

• (N77, N72, N81, N113, N120, N220) 5-10 pointed pen nibs of your choice (e.g. Hunt #101, Gillott #303, Hiro #41, Nikko “G”, Leonardt EF Principal or your favorite pointed nib)
• (H129, H114) Oblique pen holder
• (H105, H113) Straight pen holder
• (I70, I08, I37) Black ink of your choice (e.g. Moon Palace Sumi, Higgins Eternal, McCaffrey’s black; or an ink stick & grinding stone if you own one)
• (P22) Graph paper with 1/8” squares or good quality layout paper. Size of paper is unimportant but should be at least 8.5” X 11” (e.g. JNB graph pad, Paper & Ink grid pad, Borden & Riley 37 marker layout, Canson Pro Marker layout)
• (PS42, PS61, PS112) 1-2 sheets or half sheets of a quality art paper (e.g. Arches HP, Canson Mi-Tientes or your favorite art paper)
• (PL38) Soft pencil (examples: 2B, 3B)
• (S270) Straight edge
• (S632, S924) Protractor or adjustable triangle
• (S1158, S853) Mixing tray, mixing cups or dinky dips
• (BR43) Mixing brush
• (HG749, WNG1, I38) Gouache or 2-3 colored inks (white or Dr. PH Martin’s bleedproof white, black and 2-3 colors of your choice if using gouache)
• A few paper towels
• (S1005) Small water container or bottle
• (S753) Optional supplies: T-square and drawing board