Years ago I entered my first competition with an illumination. In my documentation, I wrote about using tracing paper to transfer the image. One judge commented on my lack. I still remember how down it made me feel. The way I handled that, as I often did, was to go to the library and research….
In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang describe how complementary, connected, separate influences compel and connect. I know many such twosomes that exist. Fire and water, expansion and contraction to name two. The SCA has its own. Current creation methods and historic recreation efforts. As a scribal production Laurel, I am drawn to Medieval illuminated manuscript techniques and…
I’ve collected numerous calligraphy manuals over the years, searching for tips and tricks to improve my lettering. As an SCA scribe, my book criteria differ from calligraphy books for modern works. Here are my preferences. Traditional Calligraphy Guides The book should focus on the nib-lettering technique I want to learn. For most of us in…
Like the seven deadly sins, art media have behaviors that are a challenge to overcome. The key to dealing with them is avoiding or limiting their effects. As a scribe, I’ve messed up work every way possible. Those were my gouache learning experiences while detecting its sins. Let me tell you what I’ve found. An…
Pencil sketch and start of inking.shown. In my post The Making of a Scroll, Part 1, I briefly comment about roughing in the border with a 4H pencil then going over those lines with a permanent .005 Pigma Micron pen. I’ve been asked, why I do that? When I start a scroll I research and develop…
Iluminators were known to layer paints more than mix them. Yet there are written notes and illuminations that show they mixed colors too, especially later in the Middle Ages. Mixing colors makes its own problems. The more colors you combine, eventually ends with mud. Over-mixing also dulls the paint combination. Learn by doing: mix two gouache primary colors…
I was asked by a scribal friend last week how I would critique another scribe’s scroll. In Calontir we often talk about this and how to do it. Critiquing another person’s work is tricky because of the personal pride held by the sharer and the hearer. Some encourage gentleness. Others recommend a quick comment like my…
I bought myself a present. I love the writer/artist Austin Kleon. He has a new book, Steal Like An Artist Journal. I’m flipping through the pages, seeing a little of everything. The first image I came across relates to scribes so well. Kleon describes simply the difference between plagiarism and creative repurposing. He calls it good theft…
My rocks for paint collection. Every year this question pops up in the scribes guild, “Is gouache period?” I use it because it is more convenient than making paint from rocks and plants. I get favorable results, too. But, how Medieval is it? I have a tangled answer. Unfortunately, it is a lengthy story. To…
Are you puzzled about paper? Even in this digital age it supports writing today, as it did in the past. Besides it has myriad other uses I’ll avoid. I prefer to focus on the papers commonly used in the SCA. Paper selection for calligraphy is knotty. The best looking papers may be too slick and…
Ladies Christine and Aleit checking in people. Yesterday, I joined with many others to celebrate 12th Night in the Barony of the Lonely Tower. These winter festivities extend my New Year’s celebrations a week and enliven my dreary winter. This annual event jump starts Calontir’s event calendar, with its striking armored combat and steel fighting challenges. Populace…
Scribes painting preprint scrolls. When I was painting preprint awards with scribes at a recent event, I was asked what colors I preferred. I had commented on colors I missed having because the paints provided for our use were Reeves gouache paint sets. I missed the colors I used at home. Gouache is an opaque watercolor used by…
I’ve been known to get into some vivid color discussions with artists. I seem to see colors more intensely or acutely than even my hairdresser. Perhaps I’m just more dogged about the concept. Even so, occasionally I’m out done. Luttrell Psalter Heures du Duc de Berry Color determination, being able to see the difference between…
Hope you enjoy your holidays. Thank you for your interest and support. You may still not quite understand what I do, but you’ve supported me unconditionally. I hope I don’t bore you with nerdy details, jokes, and addictions I enjoy and pass along. How you continue to tolerate my geekish banter amazes me. Thank you,…
I’m a brush collector. I have all types and sizes. I even have some for oil painting, which I’ve never tried. With each purchase, I feel that brush will be my best brush for it’s intended task. If that’s true, why do I keep going back for more? Why do I have so many? Brushes are…
Teaching scribes in the Barony of the Lonely Tower I’ve been asked the difference between watercolor and gouache paints. I thought you would like to know too. Simply put, watercolor paints are transparent, gouache paints are opaque. That’s it in a nutshell. Watercolor paints use the white of the “paper” for their white. Lighter gouache…
This is the time of the year I usually go to Calontir’s Kris Kinder event. What’s not to love? So much holiday spirit and shopping to enjoy. Nan receiving her degree. This year I celebrated something more exciting and important. Something in the works for three years. Yesterday, my daughter graduated as a Nurse Anesthetist. It…
I prefer to use a dip pen, but that wasn’t always the case. I started learning calligraphy using a cartridge pen. Why did I switch? What is the difference? I switched from a cartridge pen to a dip pen to create scrolls in a more medieval manner. Quill pens would be even more medieval but…
Are you a scribe wondering what to get that want-to-be scribe in your life for Christmas or 12th Night? How about putting together a scribal gift-pack collection? When looking at John Neal Bookseller‘s web page, like a kid dreaming for a Christmas present, I came across this unique item offered by a professional watercolorist. It is a paint…
Thanksgiving retaught me the meaning of “sated”. Defined as full beyond belief, or satisfyingly full. I choose to be satisfyingly full. As a scribe, that means knowing your limits. Knowing when you have enough on your plate to do in a timely manner, whether scroll creation or personal responsibilities, like family and holidays. Lack of energy,…