Calligraphy Week 1-4

Blackletter Hands & Textura

Blackletter

the American umbrella term for the hands we work on

Broadedge Pen

a pen with a flat tip that allows you to create a specific set of thick and thin lines when held at a specific consistent angle

Pen Width

how wide the edge of the pen is

Pen Angle

the relationship between the flat edge of the nib and the writing line

Quadratus

textura variation with diamond ending strokes

Precissus

textura variation with flat ending strokes

Counter

the space inside a letter. can be open or closed

Ductus

a chart detailing how to make a letter

X-height

height of a letter (usually 4 pen widths)

Base Line & Waist Line

above and below the X-height

ascender/descender

move past the waist and base lines

Rivers

lines of white running through a piece

Versal

caps that are outlined then filled in

Calligraphed

caps there are made with singular movements

Entasis

a thick thin variation made with differing pressure

Linear

letters on a 180 degree line

Nexus

letters meshed together, net-like