Calligraphy and Letterform: History, Methods, and Practice

Calligraphy is visual music—meditative and seismic—capable of conveying personal meaning through letterform, a blend of structure and movement that stretches back thousands of years.

In this course, students will learn to write formal calligraphy scripts with confidence, starting with the basic structures of the Roman alphabet, stroke techniques using pen and ink, and a time-honored grid system for page layout.

We’ll also explore a contemporary approach to freehand writing with pencil, brush, and marker, focusing on rhythm, spacing, pressure, release, and spontaneous invention.

We will study four formal scripts: Irish Uncial, an excellent starting hand; the classic upright 15th-century Humanist Minuscule, the foundation of print script; Gothic Blackletter, known for its graphic impact; and Italic, the basis for elegant cursive writing.

Assignments will encompass alphabet practice, small projects, and complex designs.

Exercises will address correct form, the interplay of positive and negative letterforms, and visual rhythms.

Prior experience in calligraphy is helpful but not required.

Students must purchase their own art supplies for this course and can expect to spend an additional $85–$100 on these materials.