Calligraphy.TV offers educational video tutorials by leading international artist/calligrapher Denis Brown.
An extensive calligraphy program called 'Italic Rhythm to Polyrhythm: Expanding Writing Dynamics' is planned for full completion in coming months and the first 4 modules are available now. Subscribe and advance your calligraphy to a new level. Or pre-order the multi DVD deluxe set which will contain everything and as a bonus get unlimited online access now.
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C O M M E N T A R Y B Y D E N I S B R O W N
The program offers highly advanced training along with fundamental knowledge. Primarily for calligraphers of intermediate and advanced level, those with less experience may yet find it inspiring as long as they realize some content will beyond their level for now. In fact, all levels may find this a healthy view to keep.
My pen techniques are all demonstrated and discussed in detail. I didn't learn them overnight, and it will take serious students a long time to absorb the content into their own practice. Nonetheless, inspiration and learning may begin immediately. Those lacking time to commit to regular practice may still find the program informative and inspiring.
My way of calligraphy involves a clear understanding of formal principles, while form may be modulated by energetic gestures in writing. Having taught workshops in many countries over many years, I've been accredited as one who communicates clearly and passionately. My program aims to enable you to develop more freedom yet simultaneously more control in your calligraphy. However to achieve this will take work. Thus I emphasise the importance of enjoying your practice - not to get hung up on mistakes but to rejoice in every small advance. Your aim should not be to be able do as I do right away, but to gradually improve what you do, as you are able and one step at a time.
The program begins with two modules on a compressed italic hand. These are complete and open for subscription with 2.5 hours of video lectures and demonstrations, broken down into short movies on various aspects. Another module on 'Freeing the Rhythm' is now available for subscription, as is the module on "Polyrhythmic Calligraphy". These are each available by separate subscription, but pre-ordering the DVD set gives online access to all this, plus material from incomplete modules right now and until you receive your DVD set which will have it all on disc. Pre-ordering gives online access now to over 7 hours of video content, with notifications as new parts are added online. On publication, a deluxe multi DVD set with 12 glossy 10"x8" prints will be mailed to you. All for no more cost than a one year online subscription to all 6 modules as on the DVDs. Over eight hours of video in autographed custom packaging, designed and hand-assembled by me personally will make this a collectors item for sure. I am aiming for publication as soon as possible without skimping on the major work involved, hopefully in coming months, certainly this year, i.e. 2012.
The italic is a particularly narrow form with energetic strokes and advanced pen manipulations, intended to contrast well with wide forms to be incorporated in a forthcoming module to create 'polyrhythmic' calligraphy. Large nib-size demonstrations are filmed in close detail to appear larger than life-size on-screen. The 'Italic: Theory and Practice' module features 15 short video lectures including general principles that may also be applied to other styles of italic. Movies demonstrating each letter of the alphabet are featured in the 'Italic Alphabet Demonstrations' module. Italic capitals are beyond the scope of the program, though 'Wild Swash Capitals' are featured in the module called 'Freeing the Rhythm'.
Modules following the two italic modules, yet to be completed, will include:
Freeing the Rhythm Variation and swing ... now complete & online!
Get Polyrhythmic! Adding secondary rhythms ... now complete & online!
Layering for Polyrhythms Writing on top of writing... coming ASAP!
Further Inspiration Guest Artist Calligraphers ... much already online only for those who pre-order DVD sets and more coming!
This last module features Hans-Joachim Burgert, Thomas Ingmire, Brody Neuenschwander, John Stevens and Yves Leterme. Others will be added in due course, but these are online now for those who pre-order the forthcoming DVD set.
You can navigate the full chapter listing for each section by clicking headings in the members section linked from the 'MEMBERS' button in the top navigation bar, or click here (page will open in a new window)
Thank you for considering to support this incentive which is an individual, self-funded project as distinct from a corporate venture.
Subscribe or pre-order DVDs: click here.
Denis Brown's Art & Calligraphy: see it here.
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