CALLIGRAPHY WITH THE "SCRIPT" BRUSH

Here are 4 wonderful examples of script lettering. Some letter forms are painted with 2 strokes. Holding the brush in its prescribed vertical position allows the application of varied pressure to execute very thin, fine line to it widest capacity, depending on the brush size.

Script calligraphy is delicate, graceful, and varied with thick and thin line. practices were on 9"X12" drawing paper. The letters are 2½" tall; 1" ascenders;1½" body and 1" to 1½" descenders. See parts of a letter. Letter forms were lightly sketched in pencil, tempera mixed to a proper consistency, fingers in proper alignment and the exercise would begin.

  This example really makes the fingers stretch as the exaggerated loops are 1¼" ascenders; 1 and 3/8" body and 1½" descenders. Letters widths are narrow--anywhere from ¼" to 3/8". Yes, these can be painted in one, fluid stroke, but 2 are acceptable--for beginners. Fits nicely on 9"X12" paper.

  Oh my! Lots of flourishes here. This one really tests a "steady hand"! Keeping the wrist firmly on the table and moving only the fingers is one way to reach up and down for the ascending and descending strokes. In this style, however, one can employ "halving"--just painting half of the lengthy stem at a time. Actually, to accomplish long stems with single strokes, don't "choke" the brush. Hold it at least 1" above the metal ferrule, keep the wrist on the table, and push the brush up and down with smooth finger stretches. Honest! It can be done and you can do it with of course, practice, practice, practice.

Letters sizes are 5½" tall, 2¼" ascenders, 2¼" descenders, and 1¼" body. Note that the "A" is ¾" above the body, extends 1" above the other ascenders and is 2" wide. Body widths vary from 3/8" to 3/4". Of course, general proportions should be observed if making these letter styles larger. Have fun!