KEY: B I A

B = beginner level
I = intermediate
A = advanced

Calligraphy Workshops
with Denis Brown

The list of topics below is for the information of workshop organizers. Full info of each is linked from the red buttons. Individuals wanting information of scheduled workshops, find a current list here.

Some basic themes have all 3 level keys B I A simply because advanced students learn a lot from a thorough reappraisal with a master. Groups with mostly advanced students may be tutored on request to a higher level.

    Roman and/or Italic Capitals   B I A

    Understanding Italic   B I A
Learn principles so as not to merely copy shapes

    Gothic script   B I
Textura or Black-letter styles

    Celtic Half Uncial    B I
A basic Celtic script

    Celtic Hybrid Script   I A
The hybrid between Celtic and italic styles for a more modern Celtic flavor

    Advanced manipulated Italic    I A
Incorporating Denis' energetic pen manipulations

    Gothicized Italic   I A
Hybrid of Gothic with Italic for a modern fluency in a Gothic feel.

    Layout and design for calligraphers  B I
Layout & design a panel of text.

    The “Big Project” of Calligraphy   I A
Make a large panel of calligraphy composed of blocks of text set in dynamic contrast.

    Dynamic Composition    I A
An approach to experimental calligraphic compositions.

    Colour for Calligraphers   B I A
The science and art of finding stimulating colour schemes.

    Sharpness in Writing   B I
achieve fine hairlines and crisp detail

    Experimental Gilding   B I
Gilt backgrounds for calligraphy

    Vellum & Parchment    I A
Working on skins

    Celtic Themes
also listed individually below

    Nature Inspires Calligraphy    B I A
Inspiration from the natural world

    Polyrhythmic Calligraphy    I A
Expanding rhythms of writing

    Tune up to Play Calligraphy    I A

    Rhythm & Eurhythmics    I A
A 5 day class exploring rhythm in writing and in composition

    Layered Calligraphy    I A
Text into Texture

    Dangerous Lines    A
Vigorous pen strokes: Calligraphy with attitude

    Shadow Boxes    I A
Double-sided, layered, translucent art

    Capital Expression    I A

    Gestural Flourishing    A
Expressive rather than decorative flourishes

    Painterly Techniques    I A
Calligraphy between glazes of oil paint

    Introducing Celtic   B I
One day seminar with slide presentations plus brief introduction to drawing and writing in the Celtic style.

    Half Uncial   B I
The Celtic script

    Celtic Initials   B I
Design your own initial in Celtic style

    A Knot-work Panel   B I
Learn how to draw & paint a complex interlaced panel from the Book of Kells

    Celtic Spirals   B I
Construct a complex spiral group from the Book of Durrow