We are canceling the workshop which was scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, in light of the rapidly-changing situation with COVID-19, and to do our part in "flattening the curve" and "slowing the spread" of the coronavirus. We do this out of love for vulnerable members of the population. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause if you were registered to attend.
(Down the road we hope that we will be able to reschedule it, but we leave that plan tentative. Watch our website calendar for any future changes that may arise. Read more about our normal rhythm of programs and workshops.)
On both Saturday and Sunday, April 18/19, 2020, the workshop was scheduled to be held from 9:30am to 4:30pm, with doors scheduled to open at 9am.
Registration for workshops usually opens 8 weeks in advance of a workshop. Space is limited. The cost for this workshop $145 per person. In addition, a $15 supply fee will be collected on the first day of the workshop.
Colleagues of Calligraphy is excited to welcome renowned calligrapher Carl Rohrs to Minnesota for our Spring Workshop on the following topic:
Calligraphic Typefaces You Can Eat with Pen or Brush
Calligraphy, of course, has always been an important inspiration for type design. Now, we will turn that around by examining dozens of 20th Century European calligraphic typefaces and use them as the starting points for our handmade lettering.
“What It Means” Ornette Coleman quote, written by calligrapher Carl Rohrs
By doing this, three important but different skills will be strengthened:
First, you'll get a crash introduction to some of the most innovative type designers from the 20th century and an appreciation for the construction of some of their greatest faces.
Secondly, attempting to reproduce these letters by hand will increase your calligraphic dexterity, sharpening hand, eye and mind.
Last, using them as inspiration for new looking letters fosters interpretive ingenuity, and will lead each of you to designing your own unique letter styles.
Birthday written by calligrapher Carl Rohrs
The workshop will also cover modern pen and brush techniques and handling, with the unusual approach of using the unique letter forms of different artists as our models.
We will cover obvious classics like Legende, Neuland, Post Antiqua and Hammer’s Uncials, as well the more obscure and eccentric like Georg Trump’s five wonderfully different calligraphic script faces, Oldrich Menhart’s Romans and Uncial, and original letter design by Zapf, Excoffon, Reiner, Lange, Hoefer and many more.
The thick, bound workbook provided for registrants will include about 100 typefaces, some of their origins, plus many modern interpretations. Whether you aspire to become a fabulous calligrapher, want to enhance your drawn-letter work, or become more familiar with these innovative, inspiring artists and their work; gaining these resources will dramatically expand your repertoire.
Materials List
Pen: You will need a pen that is on the larger size. Choose from the three options listed below:
Carl’s favorite is the 5/16” Horizon Flat Pen. The 1/4” or 3/8” is also fine (from PaperInkArts.com), or similar Coit or Hiro, no bigger than 3/8”
Or, a similar sized Automatic pen. Carl doesn’t like these nearly as much as Horizons, but if you’re comfortable with them, it will work just fine; we’ll discuss their differences.
Or, a Pilot Parallel Pen, 6mm size (blue cap). This is okay too, but be sure to have a bottle of ink to dip into (not enough ink comes through the parallel pen for what we want to do).
Plus, bring any other favorite pens you already have.
You can get through the weekend with only a pen, if you wish. If you’re interested in brush-work, please bring the following.
Flat Brush: Choose from the three options listed below:
Winsor & Newton 995, 1/2” (clear handle)
Or, Winsor & Newton Cotman 666, 3/8” (blue handle)
Or, Raphael Kaerell, size 6, 8, or 10 (orange handle)
Plus, any other flat brushes you already have.
(We will be concentrating on flat tools mostly, but there are traditional types based on the pointed brush, as well. If this interests you, bring a Pentel Color Brush, or similar.)
1-2 tubes of gouache for brush work: Winsor & Newton Indigo or Prussian Blue are strong colors. Bring white or bright colors and/or a jar of Pro-White or Dr. Martin’s Bleedproof White, if you want to write in reverse (and bring some dark papers, too).
Non-waterproof ink: Higgins Eternal, Higgins Sepia, walnut ink, Private Reserve, Noodler’s, anything like that. Look out for the words “Indian,” “permanent,” even “Sumi”; they clog the slits of folded flat pens.
Paper: Large paper (11”x17” or larger) bond is fine for pens, or something with a bit of tooth.
Diploma Parchment is Carl’s favorite at the moment.
Carl likes Strathmore Charcoal Pads for pen, flat brush and pointed brush, but not Canson’s charcoal pads: as pen work will bleed on them.
Plus, bring any fancier papers as desired (Canson Ingres, Mi Tientes, Bugra, or watercolor.)
A pencil
A ruler
Lunch: Registrants are asked to pack a lunch both days; refrigerator space is available at the art center.
In addition to this Spring Workshop offered for a limited number of paid registrants, Carl will also be speaking at a Friday evening program in Minneapolis, open for all Colleagues of Calligraphy members and visitors. Read more.
About Carl Rohrs
Lettering artist and sign painter in Santa Cruz, California, since 1977.
Teacher of Lettering & Typography and Graphic Design at Cabrillo College, since 1984.
Workshops and conferences, worldwide, since 1986.
Editor of Alphabet, the Journal of the Friends of Calligraphy, 1989–1992, and 2015–present.
Hobbies include typographic errors, procrastination, and spilling paint on good clothes.