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Decorative Capitals with Gold Leaf 
About Janet
Picture
​Further Detail
​We will begin by learning Versals, the formal built-up letters based on the Roman capital form, and adapt them to create wonderfully decorative Lombardic or modern capitals. These will then be beautifully painted and illuminated in bright colour, gold powder, gold gouache and real transfer gold.

Even the smallest amount of gold added to a piece creates a stunning effect. The tutor will demonstrate making gesso and preparing vellum. Letters will be created with a pen or drawn with a pencil. The gold will be laid on raised PVA or gesso on a design no larger than 4" x 4". You may wish to bring your own design to the course or prefer to select from resources provided by the tutor.  

Skills/Techniques Covered
  • forming letters with a calligraphy pen
  • creating a good design
  • tracing and manipulating designs
  • gilding: making gesso, applying gums and glues for the gold and preparing vellum (skin) for work
  • understanding, mixing and applying colour
  • presentation of work

Level
This course is designed for a range of abilities including beginners

Materials
Materials are not included in your course fee. 
This is because the amounts used vary from person to person, depending on the project(s) completed. Some materials such as transfer gold leaf, PVA and gesso will be available to purchase from the tutor. The approximate cost of these will be £3–£4.

​Your tutor may not have the facilities to take card payments for materials bought in the workshops. Please remember to bring cash or your cheque book

Please Bring With You
  • 2H and HB pencil 
  • a dip pen with No. 4 or 5 nib, or fine nib, alternatively, an inexpensive technical pen (Fine liner pen .5 for black outlining) would be suitable
  • a selection of watercolour and gouache paints
  • paint brushes with good points: No. 2, plus a finer brush (a 00 or perhaps a 000) 
  • a very old paintbrush for mixing small quantities of paint 
  • good-quality paper – about ¼ or ½ sheet only: Waterford, Arches or Fabriano Artistico hot pressed paper (smooth) 140lb or better still 300lb
  • layout paper or photocopy paper for creating designs 
  • A4 sheet of tracing paper
  • kitchen paper towel or cloth for wiping brushes
  • a small piece of real silk for polishing​ ​
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We advise that you do not buy any materials required for a course more than two weeks in advance, because occasionally a course is cancelled due to low enrolment.

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01235 833433

​Ardington School of Crafts Ltd.
The Old School
School Road
Ardington
Oxfordshire
OX12 8PN
​UK
Company Registration No. 7817748
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  • By Subject
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  • Only Online
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  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms of Service
  • Timings & Refreshments