A Place To Flourish: Calligraphy Lessons

I believe the best way to learn calligraphy is in person from a good instructor. Find the nearest calligraphy guild in your area and inquire about which of their members teach. See my "USA Calligraphy Guilds" page for a guild near you. You may also find a calligraphy instructor near you by visiting the Association of Calligraphic Arts website: http://www.calligraphicarts.org/

Local Instruction
For calligraphy instruction in the Indianapolis area, I highly recommend:

Ellen Simon
ebsimon@aol.com

Ellen teaches at the Jewish Community Center.
www.JCCindy.org
You do not need to be Jewish or a member of the JCC to take classes. Either enter "calligraphy" in the search box, or go to the "Adults" or "Classes" pages to learn more about Ellen's current or upcoming calligraphy classes.

Erika Woods
Erika offers both private, one-on-one instruction, as well as calligraphy demonstrations for schools and groups.
erikahwoods@yahoo.com

Erika's website: http://www.erikawoods.com/
Erika is also a member of ArtSplash Gallery in Carmel:
http://www.carmelartsplash.com/

Online Instruction
I realize that in-person instruction is not always an option. Following are some resources for online instruction (clickable links):

*Dr. Joe Vitolo's iBook "Script in the Copperplate Style" for use on the iPad. To learn more, click here: Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo's "Script in the Copperplate Style" iBook.

* Master Penman Harvest Crittenden's Website. See her "Classes" page for online courses. Courses run periodically and range from Photoshop for Calligraphers to Spencerian. Harvest is also the director of the Spencerian Saga.

* Martha Lever's Online Calligraphy Classes at Shabby Cottage
(Martha has a variety of class offerings on the Shabby Cottage site. You may need to enter Martha's name in the search box on the home page of the Shabby Cottage site.)

* Denis Brown's online educational video Calligraphy.TV

* Scribbler's Calligraphy School

* Teri Martin's "Introduction to Calligraphy"

* Joyce Teta's Blog, "Calligraphy for Beginners"

Although it hasn't been updated in some time, there is still good information here. Start with the oldest post first.

* Some wonderful step-by-step instruction for various calligraphic techniques here at the Calligraphy Pen

For additional penmanship, script, and pointed pen lessons, visit the "Lessons" section of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) by clicking the link below:

Lessons at IAMPETH

The IAMPETH site is a treasure trove. Although the lessons are free, it is only $35 to join IAMPETH - a bargain. Please consider supporting IAMPETH by joining this wonderful organization.

Instruction Books
I have found the following books very useful:

Title: Foundations of Calligraphy
Author: Sheila Waters
ISBN: 0966530519