I had the pleasure of taking a class with local calligrapher and lettering artist Julie Wildman recently. It was an amazing experience. I purchased paper I would have never purchased and tried techniques that made me very uncomfortable!
Not a HUGE color person I was faced with watercolor washes, colored pencils and gouache. I am definitely going to do more of this. My favorite technique was learning how to use the fine line bottle writers.
You can use these with acrylic and gesso and also masking fluid.
They've actually got a precision applicator that features a needle sized closure which is cool to prevent clogging. You use two parts gesso and 1 part acrylic matte or gloss. Then add water based on what consistency you'd like. We did this, let it dry and then added color with gouache, colored pencil or watercolor. I've actually had some masking fluid for quite some time now and I know that I can use that as well as a "resist" technique to watercolor. Definitely want to try that out as well.
Great opportunity to play, play, play! Joining the Chicago Calligraphy Collective last year was one of the best decisions I made... I am scheduled to take an actual pointed pen course in March with Heather Held. I'll post about that class on my Calligraphy by CT blog. Take care til' next time everyone and Happy New Year. I am finally posting more work, more regularly. I want the same work ethic to go into the website and blog now!
PHOTO CREDIT: Maria Alicia Marquez