Seeing Ovals in the Hairline/Shade Transitions
Dr. Joseph Vitolo
Last update 12/01/2015
(PDF)
Last update 06/04/2015
(Lesson)
Quick tips on: the re-touched cutoff, nib play: a question of tines, getting looped, the symmetry and grace of compound curves, the slant on the story of n, the art of engraving on paper, my approach to stem loop formation, the symmetry of curves.
Last update 06/01/2015
(Lesson)
In this article, I will examine the baseline crossing on descender stem loops.
Last update 06/01/2015
(Lesson)
A prerequisite for understanding the proper formation of letters in any script discipline is to first identify the fundamental shapes that make up a given set of letterforms.
Last update 06/01/2015
(Lesson)
In this article I would like to discuss an aspect of script writing that qualifies as both fundamental and advanced concepts, namely the symmetry of curves.
Last update 06/01/2015
(Lesson)
In this article we will examine an all too common problem, namely maintaining slant angle on certain capital letters such as 'C' and 'E'. For this discussion we will focus on the capital 'E'.
Last update 06/01/2015
(Lesson)
In this installment I would like to discuss the challenge that is the Engrosser's script capital 'D'.
Last update 06/01/2015
(Lesson)
In this installment I would like to examine the influence of the fundamental oval shape on letterforms that would appear to have little in common with ovals. An example of such a letter is the lower case 'p'. However, before I discuss these concepts I would like to talk about how to apply these concepts to your practice sessions.
Last update 04/21/2015
(Lesson)
I will discuss The Slant on the Story of N. My personal preference is to start with the left hairline stroke working from the baseline and proceeding upwards to the top line. I usually use a slant angle of approximately 52 degrees. Find a slant angle you find comfortable and stick with it. Now back to N. I will next move the paper so it is vertical in front of me. The shaded stroke is next.
Last update 04/21/2015
(Lesson)
This will be the first installment in a series of instructional articles on Engrosser's script. I would like to begin with a discussion of what Engrosser's script is and more importantly, what it is not. This beautiful form of pen art can be viewed as an American twist on the old English Round Hand script so wonderfully represented by Bickham's The Universal Penman.
Last update 04/21/2015
(Lesson)
In this article I will examine the fundamental strokes that make up the lower case letterforms in Engrosser's script (Figure 1). It is important to understand that I will be discussing my version of Engrosser's script. While I was heavily influence by The Zanerian Manual, this is not Zanerian Engrosser's script. My particular style of script involves fewer pen lifts.