How To Write Calligraphy

So what does it take to learn how to write calligraphy? This "beautiful writing," (Greek definition) can be produced if you have the desire and patience to get started, seek to learn the art and follow through with practice. A lot of desire, a bit of knowledge and tons of practice will lead you down the path to wonderful works of calligraphy.

Desire and Patience
I practice calligraphy as an expression of my creative side. For me, it's an art form that focuses my attention and centers my spirit. The old adage of "practice makes perfect" is true for learning how to write calligraphy and bringing to life a beautiful piece of art. The centering and grounding that comes as I practice are as valuable to me as the work rendered. I love the process and believe that it takes that kind of desire and patience to get started with calligraphy.

Choosing a Style
Like most art forms there are differing styles of calligraphy. The first step in learning how to write calligraphy is gaining enough knowledge so that you can choose a style that resonates with you. Calligraphy styles fall into two basic camps.

* Western Calligraphy: Was first developed in Europe, and is considered the predecessor of modern-day block print. Western calligraphy uses ornate, regularly-spaced and regularly-sized characters.

* Eastern Asian Calligraphy: Includes Islamic and Chinese calligraphy. Oriental calligraphy emphasizes spontaneous, flowing strokes, with a special emphasis on the width and the weight of each stroke. Oriental calligraphy is often used in paintings.

Within each of these camps are several different forms of calligraphy writing. In these camps and forms you will find a style that speaks to you. Research them. Spend some time with them. Choose the one you love.

The Art of Practice
The amount of practice time you choose is probably going to be decided by whether calligraphy is a hobby for you or a business. Either way there are some basic and guiding principles that should become a part of your practice. Here are three ways to make practice an art.

1. Intentionally make time to practice. I've found that if you actually schedule practice time, it becomes a part of your routine. It is the routine that will help make you a better calligrapher.
2. Consistently practice your craft. Setting a schedule to practice once per month will not help you learn how to write calligraphy. Consistent, scheduled practice makes for beautiful works of this amazing art. Let's say at least once per week.
3. Share your practice works with others. Sharing what you create is a powerful way to gain momentum in the learning process. Praise and constructive criticism is always helpful for the mind and the spirit.

There you have it. Learning how to write calligraphy in a nutshell.

* Desire It and Have Patience
* Choose a Style You Love
* Practice, Practice, Practice

Enjoy!

Like a painter needs brushes and canvas, a calligraphy needs some basic tools as well. Whether you are learning how to write calligraphy for fun or business, you will need a a basic set of tools in order to practice and produce. In this article, I will introduce you to the manuals, pens, ink and paper needed for your calligraphy fun.

Calligraphy Manuals
Manuals or books that help you learn how to write calligraphy calligraphy are plentiful. Since calligraphy is a collection of different strokes, in the beginning, you simply need a resource that will help you learn the basic strokes of your chosen style of calligraphy. Art supply stores as well as general booksellers will carry a large variety of these books.

Many people want the ease of searching the Internet for their calligraphy supplies - here is a manual that I highly recommend:

The Calligrapher's Bible:
100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them

Calligraphy Pens or Brushes
Like manuals, calligraphy pens and brushes are plentiful. The sizes and shapes of the pens can be confusing to the beginner as well as the pricing. Calligraphy pens can be expensive. As you are learning how to write calligraphy and developing your skill, I would suggest you start with an inexpensive pen set that will allow you to practice all the basic strokes.

Since I learned calligraphy using metal tip pens, I am not a big fan of the soft point markers. I would rather buy the pen once and always have it, than replace the soft tip markers over and over again. Here is a set of calligraphy pens that I would recommend(Note that it includes your calligraphy ink cartridges):

Sheaffer Calligraphy Maxi Kit
(SH/73404)

Calligraphy Paper or Parchment
Again, like manuals and pens, calligraphy paper comes in all forms and varieties. The simple rule is: practice with inexpensive paper, produce with parchment. Since spacing is so important in writing calligraphy, your practice paper should include the top, bottom and center lines. Art supply stores carry practice paper and parchment, but I have found both in the school supply aisles of certain department stores.

This is the practice paper I use on a regular basis:

Strathmore 405 Calligraphy Pad 50 Shts 8.5x11

Learning how to write calligraphy involves learning the tools of the trade. Now you have some basic resources to get you started.

Enjoy the beauty!