Schin Loong - Madaresque - June 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026

Welcome to Madaresque!​

In this workshop we will work on lively, ornate lettering projects inspired by the work of Louis Madarasz. We will create a variety of flourished names, envelopes, short quotes etc.​

We will first study the script used by Madarasz (uppercase, lowercase, and flourishing) and its history. Then, we will break it apart, develop new mark making techniques, create variations then arrange it all back into a maximalist bouquet of letters​

I will show you how to execute each stroke with intentional speed and confidence so you can write swiftly with minimal guidelines.​

Our final projects will aim to be extravagant works of art rather than a study of academic writing. We will use a lot of inverted colors: white ink on dark paper for that extra pop!​

There will be homework and short anonymous critiques every week so you will receive feedback if you choose. This workshop is suitable for those already familiar with pointed pen nibs and at least one-pointed pen script.​

We will cover:​

• How to combine large, small letters and flourishes ‘on the go’ using minimal guidelines with speed and confidence
• Letting go of perfection and how to break the rules to create unique lettering for art’s sake, not just legibility
• Complete various finished designs for friends and family (names, addresses, quotes)

Madaresque
Schin Loong, Hosted By The Gentle Penman

Live (Also recorded for later viewing)

5,12,19 & 26 June 2026 (Friday)
23:30 pm – 01:30 pm (Hong Kong Time)

Class Cost : HKD 1,170.00 or USD 150.00
Registration Link : https://www.thegentlepenman.com/madaresque

Supply List:

• Sharp flexible nibs such as: Leonardt Principal, Gillott 303, Brause Rose, Hunt 101, Hunt 22
• Penholder, straight or oblique, whichever you like using
• Plenty of your favorite white paper for practice, blank with no lines
• Sumi ink or walnut ink for practice. An inkwell with a large mouth, I use a shot glass
• Plenty of good black or dark colored paper, blank with no lines. Some dark colored envelopes in various sizes if you'd like to make some for mailing (will need stamps too)
• White ink. I like Dr PH Martin's Bleed Proof White
• Pencil, eraser, paper towels, ruler, large water container
• Optional: Brush pen, lightbox, gold ink (I like Dr PH Martin's Copperplate Gold), glitter glue