CLICK ON IMAGES FOR SMALL DETAILS.

The left painting reiterates the functioning of words as shape, letter size differences for shape definitions, and a variety of styles. Legend and Poster are common--as well as simple symbols, all defining texture.

The right painting is an excerpt from Polish literature and a "first" lettering experience for this student. The entire poem is with pen and colored ink in Poster style. Lettering is a dominant element and words are contour aligned.

So, OK, maybe Lettering will never become an established "Art Element", but why not promote and utilize it in such a manner? It can be background enhancement, or effective as shape formation, and give added import to the message of storytelling which paintings essentially do.

It was exciting to see different languages as a basis for such an art form. The letter characters did effect a light, rather delicate textural quality in the paintings once the viewer nullifies the aspect of "reading" for visual form.

Paintings were a 22"X28" format, water colors were a good background foundation and the students enjoyed a digression from the usual lettering applications. Do give this a try!