Luttrell Psalter Illumination Example

Period effect. The more an award scroll looks like a period work the better. When I use modern gouache I select colors similar to those in my medieval inspirations. Some medieval manuscripts are known for their unique color palette such as the Luttrell Psalter. If your scroll emulates it your paint colors should also. You also want to apply them in a similar style. 





Newer scribes often use Reeves, Daler Rowney or Artist Loft non-acrylic gouache paints. They are great for beginners and preprint painting. As you run out of those in you initial set buy paints that look more period from Winsor and Newton, Holbein or Utrecht brands. Eventually, you’ll have them all affordably replaced.


Keep copies.  I made a mistake. I stopped making copies of my work after I was elevated to the Order of the Laurel. For those absent scrolls, I don’t know the materials or what they looked like. I don’t have them if I’m asked to make a replacement, or offer as style for another scroll. Unless their picture shows up on Facebook I don’t have them for this blog or to use at a scribal demo. I don’t have them to encourage my own scribal growth.


Similarly, you want to look at the scribal works of others. As much as possible, look at period sources and other scribes’ works. Look at it online, but better still, look at any original works you can find, both historic and SCA. The more you look at C and I art the more aware you become of their beautiful layers and uncountable fine lines. The more I look at in detail the more inspirited I become. 

You may even find places scribes messed up.