My five days in a workshop with Laurent Pflughaupt were busy, full and fun. He makes beautiful writing look so effortless, and my clumsy imitations were interesting to behold; but I learnt a lot about pen manipulation, movement and composition.
Here's how Laurent wrote a few As with a marker pen - effortlessly and stylishly.
My partner in crime Murray, who sat next to me, and I decided that our letters looked much better when we made them on a swirly background! We figured they look interesting and you were distracted from the poor lettering by the gorgeousness of the overall look!
Laurent showed us show to make beer-bottle-cap pens which made some interesting marks as well.
We worked into wet ink a lot. This was an indigo colourant made from crystals, painted on and then using water to write with, we got some wonderful effects.
Hmmm my messy desk.
And probably my favourite piece by Laurent. Sigh.
Here's how Laurent wrote a few As with a marker pen - effortlessly and stylishly.
My partner in crime Murray, who sat next to me, and I decided that our letters looked much better when we made them on a swirly background! We figured they look interesting and you were distracted from the poor lettering by the gorgeousness of the overall look!
Laurent showed us show to make beer-bottle-cap pens which made some interesting marks as well.
I used mine to make the background marks in this wee postcard-sized composition.
We worked into wet ink a lot. This was an indigo colourant made from crystals, painted on and then using water to write with, we got some wonderful effects.
Hmmm my messy desk.
And probably my favourite piece by Laurent. Sigh.
Oooooooohhhhh... What a grand time you had! Love the idea of beer bottle cap pens...may just have to give that one a try. Thanks for sharing your time with us. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI found a beer bottle cap on our morning walk today - hope to make a pen over the weekend. I think you would enjoy the marks it makes!
DeleteI love your swirly backgrounds, Fiona, and your blue piece is gorgeous. This must have been a wonderful workshop!
ReplyDeleteI was just reading about your workshop experience too Carol and got so distracted with the links I didn't get back to comment! It was a good exploratory time and lots of interesting thing sharpened...and are still happening!
DeleteI thought that you did a lovely job on your pieces. Very impressive.
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind - for a not really calligrapher who just loves lettering, some of the pieces turned out OK! I have been trying to finish one today - a few mis-steps, but almost there...
Deletebeautiful exploration of mark making
ReplyDeleteThanks Mo - I like how he abstracted letters out to almost not being there - just being left with marks and hints and the sense of letters and words...
DeleteI've had to stare at these photos a while to drink it all in. Your desk reflects your immersion in the task at hand and I want that dark background piece that looks as if it has been sprayed over and over.I also want to get my hands on indigo colourant and beer bottle caps!! Looks like five days of bliss to me and the results are gorgeous. You might play them down Fiona but to me they look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lesley -my desk definitely shows my immersion - and the need to pick this up, use it, try that, grab that...We had a lot of fun with rollers and gouache and type and...all sorts. Carmin d'Indigo were the crystals and if I can find them I'll let you know. Something a bit like food colouring I think!
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