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The Calligrapher's Process
​with Rick Paulus
May, 2022
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Workshop Review by Debra F

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The long awaited, much anticipated in-person workshop with Rick Paulus took place over 2 days at the end of May, 2022 at our new gathering space, the Buddhist Temple in Seaside.

Each participant was supplied with a thorough and comprehensive packet of handouts and instructions with their names beautifully written in silver calligraphy on the cover. Rick was especially adept in teaching to all levels from new beginners to old pros. He started with the Edward Johnston’s seven rules for analyzing hands which was really helpful in deciphering any hand in order to learn its characteristics. He encouraged us to use these observations in creating hands of our own.

The first writing exercise was in measuring lines of copy and learning how to center them using tracing paper. Several approaches were discussed and everyone was successful with their chosen quotation. 

Next was the explanation of determining the volume of text in larger bodies of work from typewritten copy. This was followed with determining the length of text when writing in a circle.

From Rick’s handouts: “ To determine the circumference (c) of a circle, you must know the radius (r) and the value of pi which is 3.14. The formula to determine circumference is: 2 x 3.14 x r = c. One can work this out in either direction, from either knowing the given circumference and making your  text fit or from knowing the length of your text and making a circle the right size.”  

For example: if your text line is 14 inches long, multiply 2 x 3.14 to get 6.28, then divide 6.28 into 14 and you get 2.23. That is your radius.  *I find these fractions daunting so I ask Mr. Google to convert 2.23 inches into centimeters which I have on my ruler and got 5.6cm to measure the radius line for my compass, so much easier to figure out.)

Rick discussed the different mediums we all can choose to write with and the characteristics of gouache, watercolor, inks and acrylic inks. He explained the benefits, drawbacks and helpful hints to successfully work with them. He introduced masking fluid and how to work with it. Then an intro to working on black or dark papers and the intricacies of that kind of paper. 

After the materials portion, we explored design process essentials. What inspired the piece? What did we want to say and what was our intent? What kind of emotion are we conveying? What personality of calligraphic hand best suits our needs? Do we want a graphic element to complement the text? Where and how will this piece be exhibited?

Armed with all this knowledge and a boatload of questions, we next went to designing thumbnail sketches for our quotation. Always keeping in mind the elements of Design: Shape, Space, Balance, Contrast, Texture and Hierarchy of scripts. 

Once again the importance of an in-person workshop was the individual and invaluable help that Rick lent to each participant as he went around the room numerous times. His gentle encouragement and suggestions really helped guide many of us through The Calligrapher’s Process!

There was plenty of time to work and explore different options and materials as the day wore on. At the very end, last but not least, Rick demonstrated the technique of literally “erasing” a letter off the paper, resurfacing the paper and rewriting the correct letter.  It was slow and meticulous work but can literally save the day when you need it.  

We all had fun at the end of the second day to go around the room for a Show and Share of what everyone had accomplished in two short days. It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to chat with each other about how something was done. Many of us were enthused to continue working on our pieces at home and some of us were just plum wore out after 2 days of extensive and concentrated work. But all agreed how enjoyable it was to visit with one another at the breaks and lunches outside every day and finally get to know some of the new members. It may take a while to come back to “normal” after this pandemic but  this was a fabulous first step! 
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Gallery from Paulus Workshop   May 2022