[MR] Pen Flourish Class Sponsored by Marinus Scriptorium at the Caer Maer September Scirptorium

[Joshua Thomas]

 If you have an questions please feel free to contact me at 
joshua.r.thomas at gmail.com.
 Pen Flourished Initials
Time: 4 PM Sept 3rd, 2005
Location: Richmond, VA (Directions available on private request)
Class Size: 10 First come first served. Extra handouts will be available 
until the run out.
 Abstract
In many surveys made of the Medieval Illumination Art they refer to an 
initial decoration style referred to in some sources as Pen Flourishes. 
Other sources will refer to it as line work or other variations in terms 
depending on the fancy of the academic. No matter what name one assigns to 
it the art forms implements a pattern of lines and dots around an initial to 
form a conceptual picture by a complex application or just bring the eye 
more readily to an initial through a simple series of elements. The 
application depends on the budget of the patron, use of the book, and the 
imagination of the producer. The lines and dots are either red, green, or 
blue or a combination of the colors to highlight or divide certain elements 
within the line work. The initials are either red, blue, or gold in contrast 
with the line work. The technique was used from 12th century all the way up 
to the invention of the paper press due to the elegance, efficiency, and 
ease by which the technique could be implemented while many fads that 
presented themselves through the imagination of contemporary artisans 
progressed their way into extinction. The purpose of the class is to instill 
confidence in use of proper technique to achieve period looking results.
 Skills Taught:
*Designing simple and time saving illumination for initial that has a strong 
postive asthetic property.
*How to build a design based off period sources without duplicating design.
*Discussion of Paint Properties and how to adjust for lost of emulsion as 
the artist adds water.
*Consistency of Gouache and Acrylic to optimize line width to hair thin.
*Drawing technique with crow quill pen.
 Skill(s) Assumed:
*Ability to draw or duplicate authenticate initials. Initials used in class 
will be provided pre-painted.
 Materials Provided by instructor: Samples, Eye Droppers and Pergamenata
Provided by Participant: Paint, Mixing Trays, Crow Quill sized nibs, and 
holders that fits them.
 Lord Tristan de Brailesford
Marinus Scriptorium Web Minister