Calligraphy: Decorated Capitals (online)

Step into the world of calligraphy with a short introduction to decorated capitals design. Using a printed exemplar of capital letters from a number of different alphabets, or your own favorite letter as a reference, as well as some examples of decorative motifs and traditional calligraphic styles, you will draw or trace your letter, construct a design around it, and begin to implement color.

This class will introduce the principals of decorated capital design and support students in starting their unique design or multiple designs, as well as answer questions about motifs and media— students will then finish their letters after class, so as to not feel rushed. Requires no prior knowledge of calligraphy technique or material!

Special Notes

This is an online class hosted through Zoom. We recommend that you download the free Zoom application on your computer, phone, or tablet in advance of the first class. You will receive a confirmation email containing a link to join the course via Zoom. The same link will be used each week.

Tuition Assistance is Available

To make our classes and workshops accessible to everyone, Fleisher offers tuition assistance every term so that everyone can join our creative community. Tuition assistance applications can be completed once registration is open by clicking here. The deadline to apply for winter term assistance is Wednesday, November 23; Notifications will be sent by Wednesday, December 7.

Required supplies:

  • 1x black or red Pigma Micron felt-tip pen, size 01, or any waterproof fine-line pen

  • 1x small sheet of Arches 90# hot press watercolor paper

  • 1x small piece of soft charcoal (or a small amount (less than a 1/4 tsp) red iron oxide powder)

  • A few sheets of tracing paper

  • Sketchbook or scrap paper

  • Pencil with eraser

  • Printed exemplar or a favorite reference letter of your choice (letter should be at least 1.5 inches tall!)

  • If you have watercolor related art supplies, please bring them to the class

All participants should also have some of the following materials handy:

  • Additional pencils

  • Ruler / straight edge

  • Eraser

  • Small watercolor brush

  • Small jar of water

  • Your favorite coloring media: watercolors, gouache, colored pencils, markers, crayons, calligraphy nibs and inks, etc