Gothic capitals are the scribe’s delight, running the gamut from relatively simple to highly exuberant, richly decorated forms that impart a dazzling, sumptuous tone to a page of often somber writing. They take many forms: round, angular, square, double/triple stroked, with fine lines, diamonds, and florals strategically placed that entertain the eye. During Holiday seasons they are especially relevant for designing Christmas and Easter cards.

In this workshop we consider a variety of alphabet systems in use throughout the Middle Ages, as well as the works of 20th Century masters such as Hermann Zapf, Rudolph Koch, and Rudo Spemann. We examine the many interchangeable parts of complex letters and ultimately design our own unique Gothicized majuscules. With color blending thrown into the mix you will leave the class eager to sit and play and create your personalized versions of these intoxicating forms.

Level: Intermediate and beyond. The workshop will include an hour…