Improving Copperplate Calligraphy: Connections & Spacing

Name: Improving Copperplate Calligraphy: Connections & Spacing
Rating: 4.6 (11 reviews)

How to Write Words and Sentences in Copperplate

Highest Rated

Created byDoris Fullgrabe

Last updated 7/2020

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Understanding letter forms
Mathematical vs. visual evenness
Distinguishing between straight, curved, and open connections
Making spacing decisions based on letter forms

Course content

4 sections • 12 lectures • 1h 41m total length

Mathematically vs. Visually Equal3:42
Explore how copperplate calligraphy achieves visually equal spacing between letters and words by aligning space with letter anatomy and oval shapes, rather than fixed width, to create flowing, graceful connections.

Connecting Lowercase Letters18:28
Explore hairline connections in copperplate calligraphy by linking exit strokes to the next letter, study oval letters and center-of-x-height connections, and master flag-to-curve and S-connection variations.
Connecting Uppercase Letters, Part 112:10
Connect capital to lowercase letters in copperplate by demonstrating natural connections and precise spacing, using city-name examples to show which capitals connect, the 55-degree slant, and descender space.
Connecting Uppercase Letters, Part 216:01
Identify which uppercase letters do not naturally connect to the next lowercase in copperplate calligraphy and review practical capital alternatives for connecting, with emphasis on spacing, strokes, and avoiding ambiguity.

Spacing: Stem to Stem9:20
Learn how to space copperplate letters by matching interior and inter-letter distances, kerning stem to stem pairs, and maintaining consistent downstrokes and white space.
Spacing: Stem to Arch5:49
Explore spacing between stem and arch to create a hairline connection for letters like m, r, v, x and z, using the overturned arch and reverse compound curves.
Spacing: Stem to Oval4:12
Connect a stem to an oval in copperplate calligraphy, adjusting left white space and scooching the oval for visually even spacing. Use the eye or a t to connect.
Spacing: Open to Stems, Oval, and Words7:41
Explore spacing in copperplate calligraphy by connecting letters with open spaces to stems and ovals, adjusting right-hand side gaps, and tuning word spaces using imaginary ovals for visual balance.

Recap & Handout2:56
Review copperplate connections and spacing by aligning hairline exit and entrance strokes at the baseline and x-height. Plan letter transitions, oval spacing, and open counter spaces for fluent writing.
Exercise: Writing Alphabet Necklaces12:47
Practice connecting lowercase letters with two exercises: the necklace, linking a letter with all others, and the pan grams, a sentence containing every letter.
Exercise: Writing Pangrams8:20
Practice pangrams and refine copperplate lettering by using jived Fox News grabs quick walts and five boxing wizards, focusing on hairline connections and oval spacing.
Thank You!0:21
Wrap up the copperplate calligraphy course with a focus on connections and spacing, and invite learners to follow along on Instagram to stay in touch.

Requirements

Can be stand-alone, or as continual learning from Introduction to Copperplate

Description

If you've enjoyed learning how to write Copperplate calligraphy, but you're not quite sure how to string individual letters together to form beautiful words and sentences... this is the class for you!

Hi, I'm Doris, and I love sharing insights from my own calligraphy practice.

In this class, we'll talk about

mathematical vs. visual evenness of letter spacing
connecting lowercase letters to one another
connecting uppercase letters to lowercase ones,
how to make spacing decisions, and
spacing specific letter pairs based on their anatomy

Let's practice together as I talk you through the explanations, and join me in writing out specific exercises for connecting and spacing in real time.

You'll be writing specific letter pairs, a couple of necklaces, and a couple of pangrams, thereby practicing how to connect and space all letters of the alphabet.

Even if you're brand new to calligraphy, you'll find these simple exercises easy and effective to improve your writing.

Who this course is for:

Suitable for beginners and intermediate Copperplate calligraphy students

Improving Copperplate Calligraphy: Connections & Spacing

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 4min

Connecting Letters3 lectures • 47min

Spacing Letters4 lectures • 27min

Your Project: Handout & Exercises4 lectures • 24min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: