Pat Blair
A101 Romance of the Line
The pointed pen produces unique, expressive ornamental strokes, and by learning to vary the pressure and curve, beautiful forms are created. In this class, we will take a look at some broader movements and study the use of line as flourish, as border, and as illustration. Taking inspiration from historic ornament, we will create our own contemporary versions, and add simple brush florals to complement them.
This class is good for all levels, since it explores the pressure needed for shade, while giving the student experience in a long forward movement of the pen.
Supply List
- 9" x 12" Canson Pro Marker Layout bond pad
- 1 or 2 small sheets dark paper, such as ArtAgain
- Favorite oblique holder
- Pointed pen nibs: suggested are Hunt 22, Hunt 56, Hunt 101, Nikko G, Zebra, Gillott 303
- Moon Palace liquid sumi ink, McCaffreys Penmans Ink black, Bleedproof white, or walnut Ink
- Containers for water
- Small wedge (triangle) brush
- Small round watercolor brush
- A few tubes of your favorite watercolor and gouache
- A pan or two of mica-based color, such as Fine-tec
Materials Fee
Pat Blair served 12½ years as the Chief Calligrapher at the White House in Washington, D.C., directing the production of invitation and menu design for all official and social presidential events, calligraphy of placecards, envelopes and titles, certificate and resolution design, as well as production of programs and tour books. She served two years as the President of the Washington Calligraphers Guild, was the chairperson of the Graceful Envelope contest sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service, and served as co-director for the International Lettering Conference, Letterforum. Teaching is a favorite pastime, and Pat has been on the faculty of over ten international calligraphy conferences and IAMPETH. She currently enjoys offering online classes via Zoom. Her work has been published in the Calligrapher’s Engagement Calendar, Letter Arts Review, Top 100 New York Calligraphers, Grolier Club Calligraphy Revival, and Martha Stewart Weddings, among others. Her workshops emphasize the grace and elegance that letterforms can achieve by paying close attention to the beauty of the form. Pat has been awarded the title Master Penman by the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting for her work.