• One difference from script brushes: they are not held in a vertical position, but comfortably in the hand at a 45 degree angle--always.
• The wider the brush used, the more strokes taken to complete a letter form.
• Thickness is easily effected with pressure applied on downstrokes.
• Make thin, delicate line on up strokes and with light, downward movement.
• Begin with good quality lettering brushes and keep them in good condition. Clean well after each use with soap and water; apply a thin application of soap to the brush; and reform bristles with fingers to its natural shape.

With a ½" brush, we see wider, heavier, yet similar calligraphic forms. There are the same changes in endings, length of ascenders and descenders, amount of curvature and variance in letter widths. This practice on 9"X12" drawing paper was a bit of a challenge to fit. Pre-sketches had to allow more spacing between letters.

The samples above are painted on 6"X18" paper. The photos deceive the overall proportions. In several styles, "exaggeration" seems to be exhibited somewhere. Sometimes the particular characters themselves can lead one to form relationships, as when descenders float parallel to each other (top), or towards each other (bottom). And repetition of form is not necessarily a rule--notice the difference in displaying the "t's" in "Strength". Yet, no matter what width of brush is used the actions are truly a "drawing" experience and the fluidity of line and character uniqueness are to be enjoyed. Truly, variety is the spice of life.