18th February - Part One
28th April - Part Two
9th June - Part Three
28th July - Part Four

Mary Noble

Cost: £20 per session or all four for £70

Suitable for anyone who feels confident enough to try

Part One - TOPICS, APPROPRIATE SCRIPTS, INTERPRETING WORDS

Where to find words, deciding what they mean and how that might affect choice of scripts. Trying out appropriate scripts and inappropriate ones just in case. Sorting out bad habits and starting good ones. Analysing some scripts by living calligraphers and studying one in depth to broaden your repertoire. Homework : develop fluency by writing lots in two different scripts (one if you are more of a beginner) all chosen texts several times ready for paste up exercises.

Part Two - FIRST DESIGNS, FORMAL AND INFORMAL LAYOUT

Looking at and analysing what’s successful in the work of professionals, debating the merits of formal and informal layouts. Preparing thumbnail sketches and trying paste up with your ready-written texts – should they be formal or not? Working on your words to best bring out the meaning. Some team design exercises to get you out of a design rut. Working with a readymade frame – some quick techniques. Techniques’ poll for next session. Homework : complete the piece to fit your frame and bring it for Session 4. Develop your other designs to past up stage and bring them to next session.

Part Three - MORE WAYS AND THINGS TO TRY

Starting again differently – trying 3 different ways round with fresh text, in case you’ve reached the doldrums. Developing techniques and ideas – colour, different materials (whatever came up in the poll); assessing how your homework paste ups could benefit from the above techniques. Playing with letterform variations (weight, compression/expansion, interline space etc) for more options. Homework : develop these ideas in your own pieces. Bring them + framed piece to next session

Part Four - VALUATING YOUR WORK

This session will have more talking than writing. Exercise: team work giving feedback in a supportive way, helping each other to shine. Discussion: pros and cons of including illustration (looking at examples from professionals). Completing and titivating pieces and planning how they will be presented for exhibition. Homework : finish for the final event!

Mary a professional calligrapher working to commission, and teaches at residential and day workshops across the country, as well as regular classes locally in Hampshire.

She is a Fellow of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators and a Fellow, and an Accredited tutor of the Calligraphy & Lettering Arts Society. She actively supports both societies as well as the South Hampshire Calligraphers, of which she is currently Chairman. Mary also exhibits with Hampshire & Berkshire Guild of Craftsmen.

www.marynoble.co.uk