Colour for Calligraphers
A two or three day workshop with Denis Brown (longer durations facilitate more exercises and projects).
Level: All levels, beginner to advanced. Max. 20 students

Learn to plan colour schemes with lots of tips to make them more lively. Paint colour-wash backgrounds for calligraphy and explore colour theory to be more confident in using colour.

When practical, the instructor will bring folders of guide sheets for participants (illustrated at the bottom of this page). It will be supplied for a small charge to cover costs. In certain cases, such as when touring multiple cities, it may not be practical to carry this extra luggage, in which case the organiser will be supplied with PDF files to print, including a few files that will require quality colour printing on quality paper.

Tools and Materials:
Square-edged dip-pens: in particular please bring Brause “Bandzug” nibs in a range of sizes plus a suitable pen-holder.
Paintbrushes for mixing paint and loading pens (cheap bristle brushes are adequate, e.g. Boesner Serie 50/820 | Universalpinsel).
A large (c. 2.5 cm) flat nylon paintbrush.
Finely powdered gum sandarac or kolophonium powder, plus a clean bristle paintbrush to apply it.
Gouache paints in primary colours (primary yellow, magenta and cyan) plus black and white. Alternatively, a set such as Schmincke 72-701 would be ideal. https://www.schmincke.de/en/products/painting-sets/gouache-painting-sets/72-701.html
Palettes for mixing paint.
A roll of gummed paper tape c. 4 cm wide.
A rigid board, such as 12mm plywood or MDF, size at least 33 x 47 cm.
Pencils, ruler and eraser.
Pad of practice paper A3 size or larger.
Coloured paper such as Canson Mi-Tientes or Ingres paper. Bring at least one sheet in a dark colour of your choice, and one lighter coloured sheet.
A sheet of smooth (hot-pressed) aquarelle paper.
Craft knife or scalpel.
Water jar, small sponge and roll of kitchen paper-towels.
Optional: A smart phone with camera is a convenient way to photograph demonstrations to inform practice at your table.

HOW TO BOOK A WORKSHOP