How To Teach Yourself Calligraphy

1. Get a good book.
2. Get a decent pen.
3. Get some lined paper.
4. Get started!

Years ago I took a course in college in Italic Handwriting. I am re-reading the book from that course: “The First Writing Book, Arrighi’s Operina,” by John Howard Benson, Yale University Press.
A goal this year is to re-learn this formation of letters. And words.
A book of affirmations.
Let’s call this goal an alteration, please, and not a resolution! 

Self Portrait reading & studying “The First Writing Book.”
I also want to teach myself to draw. The challenge for both of these alterations is that I have a bit of arthritis in my hands but I look forward to it!


Do you have an alteration waiting to be born?
I would love to hear from you!

If you want distinctive nature, documentary or portrait photography–photography with soul that inspires you to live a more artful and beautiful life, please contact me.



2 responses to “How To Teach Yourself Calligraphy”

  1. Happy new year to you Bruce! I feel one can become proficient in anything with attention, patience and practice. I am getting ready to take up harp lessons; by Christmas 2010 i’d like to play some flunky 18C French music.

  2. I’ve got A LOT of alterations I’m working on this year. I must say, so far so good. I must say, I’ve always wanted to learn calligraphy don’t know if I can add that to my list for this year though.

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