Queen's Rapier of Ansteorra

My source image for this project can be found here.

I've picked out which letter forms I like from the manuscript page.  A few of the letters have several different forms and I'll see about trying to work that into my calligraphy.

First image is the inked illumination page sitting next two my first full calligraphy layout.  I tried two different size nibs to see which I think would look better.  I like the 1.5 mm over the 1 mm for this project.  The 1.5 mm is the first nib I used.  I also need to work on some spacing to use the middle ribbon.  I have left two lines for names because they are shorter lines, about 2.75 inches long.

Next is a close up of the illumination.  The L cap is still in pencil, but I've inked the rest of it.  I'm gonna play with the placement of the L a bit.

A closer look at the calligraphy.

Isaac

Calligraphy

Been using the evenings to practice on my calligraphy skills.  I've pretty much gotten the old english hand down pretty well now. 

I've been reading through and practicing chinese calligraphy.  It's totally different, but I think I'm getting down how to make straight lines, even if they are a bit wiggly.  Curved lines are looking pretty good, but the lines where it's multiple strokes or the line turns back on it's self don't look so good.

I'm also pulling letter forms out of the following image for a charter based on the same image.  It can be found here.

I've also been finding more digital facsimiles online to use as subject matter for later projects.

Isaac

Beowulf - New Page

I've started sketching out a new page on my Beowulf project.  The scene is that of where Beowulf pulls off Grendel's arm.

Full Page:

Close up of the illuminated scene.

Isaac

More Research, & More Projects

While I've found a few books on Chinese calligraphy and brush painting,  I haven't had much time to really try out the activities in those books to learn this new art.

While I haven't done much with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) for years now, with all the calligraphy and illumination (C & I) I've been doing I've gotten the bright idea to see if Ansteorra needed any new charters designed.  All of the digital facsimiles, I've been looking at for fun, has inspired me. The Ansteorra Scribal site hasn't changed in a few years for the most part, but the contacts are up to date, so after a few emails I found out that, yes, new charters would be a wonderful thing.  So I've been reading through the award texts, reading the heraldic site for the history on the awards to get a feel for them, and making notes.

Ginger has also started looking at sewing some T Tunics so I've been finding her resources on that. I've also picked up my inkle loom again, to see about making some trim for the tunics.  While looking for Ginger's information, I've found some patterns I'm really looking forward to trying in the evenings of watching TV, when I'm not doing C & I.

Isaac

New Challenges – Asian

I have several friends that are taking classes in one form of martial arts or another right now.  I was approached by a few of my friends about doing scrolls or certificates for their smaller school.  After talking to the primary teachers, this does sound like a neat challenge.

This will be breaking me out of and away from European influences and towards the Asian ones.  I know very little about Asia and it’s art, so I’ll be learning a lot to do this project.  I know there’s a whole tradition and layered meanings behind everything Asian.

 The project will primarily center on creating a set of master certificates.  Right now, I’m looking at two primary certificates, a ‘congrats on attaining the next rank’ and student of the month.  I’m also thinking that special Black belt scrolls/certificate will be in the future.

The first hurdle has been just what terms to use in the web searches to find any digitized copies of Japanese documents.  Its supper easy finding the internet shop selling the Asian brush calligraphy and a bit harder finding sites that have what I’m really looking for.

So this Asian themed project will be providing a nice change of pace and a whole new area of study while I continue on with current projects.

Isaac

Just finished up the piece of illumination for Ginger.  The picture is a bit blurry.  I think it's time to invest in a tripod.

Isaac

Update on the Illumination piece for Ginger

Basic colors are down, detail work left to do.  The shell gold will be one of the last steps.

Isaac