The Calligraphy Pen

Most calligraphers rest the pen on the first joint of the middle finger and use the thumb and forefinger to guide the pen and maintain its angle. This approach is used for any broad-edged writing instrument.

The main problem you will be likely to encounter when starting is holding the pen at the right angle. Most of us tend to hold the pen at a fairly flat angle compared to the line we are writing on when we write which is more natural than the steeper angle required when using a calligraphy pen. You will need to constantly check the angle of your pen which should be at around 40 – 60 degrees to the writing surface.

Left-Handers

The majority of strokes when constructing scripts are taught as pull strokes rather than push strokes. This means that the pen will be pulled across the page. These pull strokes are aimed at the majority of the population who happen to be right-handers. Left-handed calligraphers, if they are going to follow the correct stroke direction, have to adjust their hand or arm positions or the position or angle of the paper.

The left-handed calligrapher may opt for the underarm position which will give them the greatest chance to make their strokes the same way that right-handers do. It also means that the pen-holder and the nib will be aligned the same way as for a right-hander. For beginners this could be important when learning from a right handed teacher, particularly when they attempt to mimic the teacher’s strokes.

The underarm position won’t suit all left-handed calligraphers, so another popular technique is the hook position where your hand and pen come from above your work and you flex your wrist downward to make your strokes. A third alternative may be preferred by turning the paper through 90 degrees and then work from top to bottom.

There are many left-handed calligraphers who have adapted to accommodate the position that is the most comfortable for them. It may take a little experimentation but through a bit of trial and error you will find a position that works for you.

Making Your Mark

When you’re using your calligraphy pen your aim is for the pen to flow with an easy rhythm as it moves lightly across the surface of the paper. To achieve this there are some important considerations to take into account before picking up your pen.

Your Workstation

The chances are when you get into calligraphy you’re going to be sitting in the same spot for long periods of time so you’re going to have to make sure you’re comfortable. Rather than sitting hunched over a surface that lies flat on the table, a sloped writing surface will allow you to sit with a straight back.

Position your table near a natural light source if working in daylight. If working at night or in poor lighting conditions use a desk lamp. So that your hand doens’t cast a shadow over your work, position the desk lamp to the left of your work if you’re right-handed or to the right if you’re left-handed.

Using Your Calligraphy Pen

If you are using a pen for the first time, take a little time getting used to the feel of the pen and the mark it leaves on the paper. Start with a broad nib if you are new to calligraphy because it will give you a better idea of what’s going on when you make the strokes.

Start your first stroke with a small sideways movement at the start of your stroke to spread the ink from the slit across the nib which will also encourage more ink to be discharged. That small sideways movement will create what is called a serif. Make some long straight vertical marks on the paper and check to see whether they are sharp or ragged. If they’re ragged it means that you haven’t pressed the whole of the nib against the paper properly as you write. Give the pen a slight adjusting turn and try again.

Now try some regular thick and thin marks by holding the pen at a constant angle and making a zigzag pattern across the page. The angle at which you hold your pen will influence the look of the letters you write so it is important to master the correct pen angle early. After doing the zigzag pattern, try some horizontal and vertical lines. Again this will test that your pen angle is constant. You’re on the right track if the horizontal and vertical strokes are the same thickness.

You’ve made some marks on paper with your calligraphy pen. Congratulations, you’re now a calligrapher - from here it will only take a lifetime to master.