My client requested this quote to be written in calligraphy to be framed and displayed. He asked if I could include an eye-catching ornate gold letter. I’ve gotten to do a handful of them this year and I jumped at the chance to do this one too!
Through talking with my client, I learned that this piece was for his daughter to replace a printout she had of the same quote.
Tools and Materials
I drafted the calligraphy on 1/8″ graph paper from John Neal Books. Arches Hot Press watercolor paper was perfect for this calligraphy artwork. I love that it’s off-white with a nice texture! Mechanical pencils came in handy for drafting the calligraphy, and I used tiny paintbrushes by Windsor & Newton to paint in the vines.
For the calligraphy, I chose a Mitchell 5 Roundhand nib. I always need my big eraser for removing guidelines. At the right edge in the middle of the above photo, you’ll see a blue bottle with an eyedropper. This is what I keep distilled water in to control how much water I add to paint or ink at at time. At the top of the photo is my Fintec Palette. Looks like I need to refill a couple of these golds!
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Designing the Ornate Gold Letter
I reveled in this short text because the calligraphy could take up more space than usual. I started by reading the text out loud to figure out how to break up the lines of text for the most meaning. Then, I tested the text in pencil in a portrait layout measuring 9″W by 12″H. Unfortunately, one of the lines of text was too long for this configuration, so I switched the orientation to landscape. Then, I did a couple of versions of the text with different calligraphy nibs on layout paper. I was testing the nibs with the text for the weight, or the thicknesses of the strokes.
If you’re interested in learning more about the calligraphy drafting process, check out my article, “Calligraphy Layout for Quality Compositions“.
After I knew how much space the calligraphy would take up, I drew the illuminated letter I. I started on graph paper and used a ruler and circular guides to develop the letter and the vines. After the initial design, I added additional vines that extended along the length of the calligraphy text. Check out the video below to see a quick visual of this part of the process!
Bringing the Elements Together
I’ve taken to writing the new size of a page as I cut larger pages down for projects. I had a 13″x15″ piece of Arches Hot Press paper. This was perfect because I’ve also taken to starting with the final paper slightly larger than I need it. That way if I need to recenter the composition or if the page gets damaged, I have a little wiggle room. Read: I don’t have to start over!
I marked the vertical and mathematical center of the final page, then added lines marking the edges of the smaller completed size of 9″x12″. This is also when I added in the margins, using light pencil lines.
I used my lightpad to transfer the calligraphy guidelines straight from my mockup to the final page. Then, I carefully added the calligraphy, keeping my gouache well-mixed and plenty in the nib.
After I wrote the calligraphy, it was time to transfer the letter to the final surface. I also used the lightpad for this, and then traced over my design with a calligraphy nib and waterproof ink. Lastly, I erased all my pencil lines and got excited to paint!
I mixed dark blue gouache for the calligraphy and continued this color into the letter BUT first, I painted in the gold. I chose 2 different tones of gold to create interest.
Those small paintbrushes and my magnifying lamp came in so handy as I worked on the vines. I’ve been known to miss some spots, so I actually had the lightpad on underneath the piece for accuracy.
Once I was finished with the blue gouache, I added some yellow to it to make this nice rich green. I used it for the background of the ornate gold letter.
Ornate Gold Letter Finishing Touches
After the gouache was dry, I thinned down some red gouache with distilled water. I used a pointed calligraphy nib to outline the letter, the vines, and the frame.
For all the straight lines in red, I used a cork-backed ruler to make straight lines. I wish I’d started doing this a long time ago, but I’m glad I do it now!
In the photo, I’m using the same calligraphy nib and pale gold to add groups of 3 dots to the blue and green areas in the letter. This brightens up the background and catches more light!
I just learned about this step from Harvest Crittenden at my first IAMPETH Calligraphy Conference this past summer and I love it!
Using a .3mm pencil, I lightly shaded the vines and the frame around the ornate gold letter as if the light source was at the upper left-hand corner. Then, I used a blending stump to soften the graphite. I repeated this step once more to add depth.
This was probably my favorite part of this process. I have always loved working with graphite and I looked forward to this step the whole time!
Challenges
It may sound funny, but the hardest part of creating this ornate gold letter was to pace myself. I was so excited about each piece of this project and I had to remind myself to slow down!
The Finished Piece
This brief quote is a powerful reminder of our mortality and the constant decisions we can make to support and uplift others. I chose a red mat for the artwork because it’s the least used color in the composition, and because it surrounds the text in warmth, furthering an environment for compassion.
Ornate Gold Letter Close-up
I just wanted to leave you with one more full photo of the completed letter!
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