My First Calligraphy Painting

I've always been interested in calligraphy. When I was seven, I had a set of Crayola markers with "fancy" tips that would draw a double or triple line, and my baby brother chewed off the nibs. I've never really gotten over it! In my teens I ordered a book on lettering from a school catalogue, and tried out different lettering styles. And I bought fountain pens with calligraphy tips in my early twenties, and learned how to use a dip pen in an art class. And I've always, always worked on my handwriting, adopting new ways of writing different letters any time I found a way to write that looked better than the way I was writing.

When I was approached a couple of months ago and asked to create a piece of calligraphy, I was hesitant. My first instinct was to refuse the commission. But I also knew that calligraphy, like drawing, is all about line, and I believed that with practice, I would be able to create a piece of art that would satisfy my client and also perhaps leave me with a new skill that I could use in my art.

I did a good deal of research, ordered quality ink and pens and practised daily for several weeks. My back cramped up and my fingers grew ink-stained, but I could see growth which gave me confidence to see the project through to completion. Today my client picked up the completed piece of art, which I can share with you now:

You never know if you can do something unless you are willing to work hard and try. I am happy with the completed artwork and so was my client. And I'm going to keep refining my technique and building on what I've started.