DeAnn Singh Calligraphy

Today at Westchester we learned flourishing to go with our copperplate. My method of teaching flourishing comes from my inability to memorize flourishing that others have done. I found that most flourishing is based on 3 elements: Oval, Figure 8, and Circle.  Practice these elements till your hand and muscle memory are very comfortable doing them in every direction, axis and width. Practice them in a vertical, horizontal and diagonal axis. After practicing these 3 elements we practiced combining elements. First 2 elements such as; one oval and one fig. 8. Do a number of attempts to create a harmonious shape. I think they are best if you contrast size and direction. Then we combined 3 elements. These can be the same element repeated or 2 of the same then another. For instance; figure 8, oval, figure 8. I know it's hard to understand if you can't see it. I'll try to post pictures. But the idea is to create your own flourishing and not just copy someone else's.  There's nothing like letting them "flow" out of your own creativity. It's worth it!  After practicing this we added "A Direction Change". This is 1. full stop 2. small loop 3. turn around. The direction change creates a more contemporary flourish.

By the way, I found out that I have the opportunity to do Fee Based Classes. This means I'll offer classes and set a smaller number of students with a fee that will pay the teacher and a small amount for the rental of the room. This is a fair way to take classes in the financial climate of today. I will probably make the classes 6-8 weeks in length. I think we will be able to keep the Tuesday slot. I'm so pleased that we will be able to continue at Emerson Adult Learning Center.