ILLUMINATED INITIALS
WITH MASTER PENMAN HARVEST CRITTENDEN
How this will work:
- This is a prerecorded class.
- You will have instant access upon registering.
- Includes closed captioning in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Japanese (others by request).
- All handouts, links and recordings are found in the course portal.
- Includes ongoing access to the Student Artboard, our community forum.
Gorgeous samples from prior students!
(Pssst. Yes, this is what YOU will do too!)
What you'll learn:
Gilded initials are perfect for use on the most formal corporate piece to the most informal gifts! Frame them, use them on a fancy certificate.
Just want to use gold leaf? Apply the gilding techniques to other art pieces like the centers of your flowers or filigrees.
Harvest provides us with multiple capital alphabet exemplars to choose from and then guides us through adding embellishments and designs to create a unique piece of art.
We'll learn step-by-step painting techniques to build depth then step-by-step gilding techniques for creating smoothly pillowed golden effects using Instacol and real leaf gold.
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Who It’s For:
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Anyone who loves the timeless beauty of illuminated manuscripts and wants to create their own decorative initials.
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Calligraphers and lettering artists eager to add gilding, color, and ornamentation to their work.
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Artists and hobbyists interested in combining paint, gold leaf, and fine detail for a luminous effect.
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Journaling and scrapbooking enthusiasts who want to elevate pages with elegant, hand-painted initials.
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Creative gift-givers looking to design personalized monograms or keepsake pieces for loved ones.
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Beginners curious about illumination techniques taught in a friendly, step-by-step format.
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Experienced artists ready to explore traditional methods and expand their artistic repertoire.
Self-paced. Full year access.
STUDENT LOG INCan I rewatch the lessons?
Can a beginner take this course?
What supplies do I need?
Does this class have closed captions?
Is this an interactive class?
LESSON MODULES
With 50 bitesize lessons to guide you through creating luminous, handcrafted gilded initials from start to finish.
Introduction:
- Explore historic inspirations behind illuminated letters
- Study Harvest’s completed works for reference and insight
- Review required supplies and downloadable handouts
Module 1 (7 videos):
- Get familiar with essential gilding supplies and tools
- Learn about different types of gold leaf
- Practice floating Instacoll using a ruling pen
- Apply Instacoll with a brush for varied effects
- Lay gold leaf cleanly and confidently
- Tool gold leaf for texture and dimension
- Create decorative tooling patterns
Module 2 (6 videos):
- Study historic color palettes used in illumination
- Learn how to mix paints accurately and consistently
- Add dimension and depth through layered painting
- Refine highlights and shadows
- Paint realistic pearls
- Use egg wash techniques for traditional finishes
Module 3 (7 videos):
- Create a structured frame for your illuminated piece
- Draw and refine an initial letter
- Add floral elements to enhance the design
- Build and balance the border
- Frame the complete composition
- Add acanthus leaves for traditional ornamentation
- Transfer your finalized draft to paper
Module 4 (9 videos):
- Begin a Wedgewood-inspired illuminated piece
- Draft a diaper pattern layout
- Draw and refine the initial letter
- Transfer the initial and overall design
- Apply size in preparation for gilding
- Gild the piece and draw pearls
- Includes two Q&A sessions with Harvest
Module 5 (7 videos):
- Explore painting inspiration for Wedgewood designs
- Apply gold leaf to your new piece
- Prepare and organize paints
- Paint base layers and build color
- Add fine details and depth
- Solve common painting challenges
- Create a three-color diaper pattern
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Module 6 (5 videos):
- Tool gold leaf for refined texture
- Complete final painting layers
- Refine and clean line work
- Perform final clean-up and corrections
- Discuss finishing details and artistic decisions
Module 7 (7 videos):
- Paint the “Mother’s Love C” illuminated letter
- Study the progression of the piece
- Learn the grisaille technique
- Tool gold leaf for decorative effects
- Add filigree details
- Refine and finish border elements
- Includes a Q&A session with Harvest
A perfect way to expand your artistic skills and professional offerings!
Make framed gifts!
Adorn quotes and cards!
Offer stunning
certificates & ketubahs!
Work with universities and government offices!
How this will work:
- This is a prerecorded class.
- You will have instant access upon registering.
- Includes closed captioning in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Japanese (others by request).
- All handouts, links and recordings are found in the course portal.
- Includes ongoing access to the Student Artboard, our community forum.
About Harvest:
IAMPETH Certified Master Penman Harvest Crittenden is the owner of Acorn Arts and Director of the Spencerian Saga. Highly esteemed in the international calligraphy community, Harvest has more than 30 years experience as a professional artist and instructor.
@masterpenman
LearnCalligraphy.com classes are hosted by Kestrel Montes. Aside from serving her own clients, Kestrel is perhaps better known for creating innovative tools and resources for the calligraphy community. Kestrel's own success as a professional artist paired with her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, gives her a unique skill set to create quality educational opportunities and enhance professional community building.
@inkmethis
