Melissa offers the classes listed below periodically at her Studio in Santa Rosa CA. Selected classes are occasionally offered at Fort Mason in San Francisco by the Friends of Calligraphy.
Beginning Lettering Classes are taught in eight-week sessions, two hours per week.
One-Day Workshops are offered on selected Saturdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm (includes a one-hour lunch).
For current information about dates, times, and registration fees, please click here.
The Italic “hand” appeared in Italy during the Renaissance, and is currently one of the most popular alphabets used by calligraphers. It is perfect for lettering poems, songs, menus, invitations, envelopes, etc. and personalizing anything you can write on. In this broad-edge pen class the Italic upper and lower case alphabets, numbers, punctuation, and spacing will be taught and you will feast your eyes on a cornucopia of delicious lettering examples. Supplies can be purchased at the first class (approximately $18.00 for ink, paper and pens).
Copperplate is a beautiful flowing script which was developed in the 17th century and is commonly used today for invitations to formal events such as weddings. In this class you will become familiar with the pressure-and-release action of a pointed pen, learn the upper and lower case alphabets, numbers, punctuation and spacing. We will also discuss the use of letterform variations to create different styles and the mechanics of addressing envelopes. Supplies can be purchased at the first class (approximately $18.00 for paper, pens and ink).
Uncial (pronounced “ún-shull”) was one of the main book hands of the late Roman Empire (6th century) and was later influential in the development of Celtic scripts in Ireland. This wide, rounded, bold, broad-edge hand has only one "case." It can be varied to look more contemporary and combines well with other lighter hands such as Italic and Copperplate. The alphabet, some variations, and spacing will be taught in this four-hour session.
Blackletter
This Gothic book hand is characterized by straight-lined rectangular letterforms and the even distribution of black marks to white space. Its geometrical design makes it easy to master and rewarding to practice, though a bit harder to read than more contemporary hands. The elaborate capitals provide counterpoint to the even texture of the lower case, giving the eyes something delightful to rest on. The upper and lower case alphabets and spacing will be taught in this class.
Gothicized Italic
This curvaceous combination of Italic and Blackletter was the book hand of the early 1400’s, also known as Italian Gothic. Though overall it looks very different, you will recognize the underlying forms of both hands as you learn it. The lower case alphabet will be taught, along with variations on the Blackletter upper case alphabet for matching capitals. This is a fun hand, and can be used in conjunction with Copperplate and Uncial.
If you have questions email Melissa Titone
or call (707) 573-3810
Class size is limited
Register early to save a spot!
Ever want to write a book? Not enough time? Here’s a solution – get other people to do most of the writing! In this class we will collaborate on creating a small book containing one design from each member of the class. In the process you will learn design principles, reproduction techniques and simple bookbinding. You will be amazed at how good your lettering can look with a little touching up – a freedom granted by the copy machine. Each student will go home with a little masterpiece!
You must have completed at least one beginning course in a calligraphic hand to take this class.
Color speaks volumes and is a wonderful way to enhance the meaning of the text you are lettering, or just dress it up a bit. In this class we will explore the use of color in design, and the properties of various paints and inks and when to use which. We will grind stick ink, and mix gouache and acrylic paints to the right consistency to flow through a pen. Blending a palette of gouache colors from letter to letter, we will create a rainbow effect Judy Garland would sing about! Take home a finished piece you will be proud to frame and display!
This class is open to anyone who has completed at least one beginning lettering class in which the upper and lower case of any alphabet style was taught.
Italic and Copperplate Clinics
The key to great letterforms of any alphabet is in the empty space (also known as counter space). We must learn to literally read between the lines and become one with the shapes that are left over when we make our lines. Calligraphy is not writing, it is drawing, and uses the same perception modalities that talented artists use innately. The good news is that these can be learned and practiced. Through a series of exercises we will learn to use the right side of our brains for drawing our letters, and the results will amaze you. Come spend a day changing your mind, and watching your letters magically improve. Bonus secret: the same skill works on flourishes!
Both Clinics will employ the same exercises, but each will concentrate on one alphabet.
Holiday Cards
Want to send out holiday cards this year featuring your hand-lettering, but afraid of what they will look like? Don’t know where to start? Want to know how the pro’s get their cards to look so good? The secret is in the preparation!
Designing for reproduction allows you the freedom to perfect your lettering with touch-up techniques before printing or copying. No, it’s not cheating – it’s how it’s done! In this class we will prepare the artwork for reproducing a simple card that once printed, can be decorated and embellished to your heart’s content. In the process you will learn design principles and layout techniques that will build a foundation from which your future creative ideas can become reality. Those who receive your cards will be so impressed!!
This class is open to anyone who has completed at least one beginning lettering class in which the upper and lower case of any alphabet style was taught.