Brief Description

If you’re fascinated by calligraphy and lettering, come along and join us. This is a practical and creative class, where you’ll learn to write various scripts using a broad-edged nib, and then use the scripts in small projects.

Calligraphy is a very different thing from normal day-to-day handwriting. The scripts you’ll learn are based on historical manuscripts going back many hundreds of years. Each has different features and over time you’ll develop skills in a variety of scripts. It helps a lot if you are able to practise a little at home in between classes.

You’ll learn a little about the history of each script and the key manuscripts of the period, before trying your hand at your own version.

You’ll also explore the skills involved in calligraphic layout and design, so that you can use the scripts in personal projects such as greetings cards, and writing out favourite poems and quotations. You’ll also learn to use colour in your work.

You will have the opportunity to work towards a Certificate of Calligraphy. This is awarded by CLAS (Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society). Many of my students have achieved this in one or more scripts and it’s an excellent way to make progress with learning a calligraphic script. More experienced students may also work towards a Foundation Level Diploma. Working towards these awards is of course entirely optional.

CLAS also hosts an annual one-day exhibition in London which is open to calligraphers of all abilities, including beginners. Some of my students have enjoyed the challenge of designing a calligraphic piece to send in for display. Each year in March, a group of us travels down to London for the annual CLAS day, which includes admiring the exhibition.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

The class is a mixed level class – particularly suitable for complete beginners, but those with prior calligraphic experience are also very welcome.

Calligraphy is an art form in its own right, and you do not need any experience or skill in other art forms to enjoy it. However, if you already enjoy other art forms (e.g. painting or drawing) you might combine them with your calligraphy.

Aims and Objectives:

• An overview of how today’s calligraphy relates to historical scripts.
• Practical experience of using calligraphic tools.
• Introduction to various calligraphic scripts.
• Exploration of how calligraphy can be used to interpret a text.
• Practical experience of layout, including line spacing, colour, contrast, and the use of paste-up techniques.
• The opportunity to work on creative projects.
• The opportunity to work towards CLAS Certificates.
• The opportunity to develop a critical eye, discussing ideas with other members of the class, learning from each other.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

There is a bewildering array of pens, nibs and inks on the market, not all of which are suitable for our purposes, and I recommend that you do not obtain any supplies before attending the class. I will have the pens and ink you need for sale. Please bring cash – £5 will be sufficient to start with.

I will also have paper for sale, but if you prefer to bring your own then I recommend A3 smooth cartridge paper.

Students will need to purchase their own portable drawing board – I will give advice as to suitable types, and it will not be required for the first class. There will be two or three available to use in the classroom for people who are not able to bring their own.

I will provide many handouts as the term progresses, and you will find a ring binder or folder useful to store them. It is not essential to have a book, but for those who are interested, a book list will be provided. If you would like to obtain a book prior to the class (entirely optional), I recommend CALLIGRAPHY MADE EASY by Gaynor Goffe. It’s out of print, but second-hand copies are readily available.

For the first session you will need to bring:

All you need to bring is a ruler (30cm or longer), pencil, eraser, protractor, and an old jam jar to use as a water pot. A small, cheap brush will be useful for loading the pen with ink. A cloth or old tea towel to protect the table is also recommended.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The tutor will advise you.
The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturdays and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description:

If you are a complete beginner to Oil painting, or have some experience then this is the course for you. The course is designed for complete beginners to painting, and those who have some experience. The course will be based on the teaching of essential skills. These skills will be transferrable to any genre, style or medium in painting (we will concentrate on oil or acrylic) both traditional and contemporary. You will be able to progress at your own pace and will build confidence accordingly. In summary, this is a skills based course intended to equip you with essential skills for any genre or style.
The course is priced per 10 weeks (one term); you may find, as many learners do, that you will want to continue for more than 10 weeks; if this is the case you will be offered the opportunity to re-enrol and pay for another term.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No experience is necessary, this course is designed for beginners and those with some experience.

Learning Outcomes:

(Based on 10 weeks tuition) By the end of the course you will be able to:
• Recognise basic shapes
• Learn and apply new terminology to express ideas and intentions
• Identify forms and masses
• Experiment with application techniques
• Explore basic colour theory and how it connects to shape, form and mood

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

Some materials will be provided for the first lesson, but papers, brushes and paints will be discussed and a ‘shopping list’ will be provided for those who do not yet have their own.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Yourself. Materials will be available to use although if you have any artist materials you are welcome to bring them along.

Shopping List To Be Discussed:

For oil painting
Tear-off palette (small one will be sufficient to start)
Paints – 1 red, 1 yellow, one blue and a tube of titanium white (Alizarin Crimson or Cadmium Red; Lemon yellow or Cadmium Yellow; Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue),
Brushes – Hog or ox hair, flat brushes are best, 3 should be enough to start, size 10 – 12 (these will be about 1cm wide).

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The tutor will advise regarding other courses or workshops.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.