Friday, August 27, 2010

Calligraphy Flourish Friday: Journals & Flourishing Exercises


Inspired by this post at Lori Vliegen's "Elvie Studio," I created this background using Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Antique Linen and Faded Jeans) and gesso. I used a Hiro 700 nib and navy gouache for the lettering.  I really like the technique (thanks Lori!) and found it easy to letter on top of both the Distress Ink and the gesso.


I also tried this same technique in my Moleskine journal.



The text is from a James MacDonald "Weekly Walk" devotional on the power of forgiveness based on Ephesians 4:31-32.  I love James MacDonald's "Walk in the Word" program on Moody Radio. I used the same Hiro 700 nib with sumi for the lettering.



Here are some flourishing exercises I worked on yesterday.  I used an Esterbrook 356 nib and Moon Palace sumi. You can easily see the ones I tried to do off-hand, without guidelines. Obviously, I do much better with the help of a guideline or two or three...
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Put a little flourish in your Friday!

14 comments:

  1. Thank you for your post, Jane! I really like how you incorporated such wonderful truths into a very nice & creative piece. I also love James MacDonald's radio program. He blesses me. And I like the good catchy tune of the song that goes with the program... "Walk, walk in the Word. Walk in the Word..." :)

    Jane, your art blesses me. Thank you! :)

    Sandi

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  2. Those are beautiful, Jane. I wanted to stay and read and re-read the James Macdonald piece because the more I did, the more the Truth about forgiveness settled in me -- it was like I was hearing the radio program with my eyes. :o) I also loved your casual and free pointed pen work -- it totally works with the conversational nature of the piece. Thank you!

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  3. Such good work, Jane. I especially love the moleskin journal. The variation in letter sizes and thicknesses creates great visual interest as well as contrast. I also, love that you layered the text.

    I have not read the MacDonald book mentioned but am going to find it.

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  4. Gorgeous!! I love those distress inks. They make such a pretty background to your beautiful work!

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  5. HI, Jane, your background and lettering are so beautiful and love the message. Your comment on my blog made me laugh out load. You already are a Dancing Star so your gestation period must be over! (:

    Have a great weekend.

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  6. boy, you sure have been having some serious fun with that esterbrook!!! i LOVE what you did with the gesso/distress ink technique.....wow!!!! those colors look fabulous together, but your lettering is the real star!!! your moleskine is an absolute masterpiece, jane!! and i think those flourishing "exercises" are ready for a frame!!! happy lettering this weekend!! xoxox, :))
    p.s. thanks for the linky love....xoxo

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  7. I love the distress ink piece and of course, your calligraphy is always awesome, the flourishes are amazing!

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  8. This is a fabulous piece. I can't wait to try the technique. I saw it on Lori's blog then forgot to do it! I have to do it now. Your lettering is wonderful and I think the Esterbrook 356 is my favorite---or is it the 357? After going to IAMPETH I finally understand off hand flourishing. And I said understand--not do!!!! You do a great job!

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  9. Fun stuff! Love what you've been doing.

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  10. Beautiful work Mom!
    I really like the Moleskine pages!

    I just did a new post on my manuscript ^_^

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  11. What joyful work, Jane!

    I really loved the forgiveness piece and want to go out and buy the book now. I have never heard of MacDonald, but I am popping over to check out the link. These quotes are wonderful and I found myself really considering them thoughtfully.

    Have a beautiful week~~
    Dana

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  12. Exercise looks damn neat! without guidelines, sigh!

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  13. What fun, Jane! I do so many things these days I forget to letter play. You seem to do it so well so there is something wonderful to be said about focus. Thanks for that! Great post!
    Hugs...

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  14. awesome! i wonder how many exercises it takes to make calligraphy like yours!

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