Here is a quick video of me applying the instacoll to the letter –
In this case, just wait for it to dry and add another layer on top. It is possible to build up layers of Instacoll if you like more of a raised gold effect. When you can pull the puddle no more, drop another bead of Instacoll into it and continue. The Instacoll needs to be ‘floated’ so it dries with a flat surface. You don’t want the brush to touch the paper. Gently pull at the edge of the puddle of Instacoll to direct it where you want it to go. You need to pick up a bead of Instacoll on the end of the brush and place it carefully, so it puddles where you want the gold to be. Soaking the brush in water first, so the bristles absorb some helps to protect it. Use an old brush to apply the instacol as it tends to spoil them. Now it’s time for the gold! First, the size has to be applied. You now have the design clearly marked out for you to be able to apply the gold and paint. When you are happy with your design, trace it onto your good quality smooth watercolor paper.Ĭarefully outline your design with a fineliner or brush and erase any pencil marks that are left. You could trace an image if you felt you wanted to. Sketch out your design in pencil on cartridge paper. I have chosen a Romanesque capital D from the Hunterian Psalter 1170. You could look online for inspiration or design your own. The first thing is to decide on your letter design. Step-by-step guide for creating an illuminated letter In that case, you wouldn’t need the gold leaf, size, glassine paper, or burnisher. If you don’t want to use real gold then try gold watercolor, ink or gouache I would recommend Finetec Arabic Gold. A size to attach the gold – I recommend Kolner Instacoll.Gouache – any colors, but for this project I used Ultramarine, Cadmium Red, Permanent Green Middle, and Permanent White.A Pencil – I like to use a mechanical one for precision.Paper – Cartridge paper and a good quality smooth watercolor paper, I use at least 135lb weight.You will need a few basic materials, and then as you experiment, you can invest in more niche materials if you would like to try specific techniques.įor a basic letter, you will need (links to Amazon) – Making an illuminated letter doesn’t need to be as expensive or require as many specialist items as you may think! The materials needed to create an illuminated letter This isn’t a definitive list of styles – have a search online and discover which ones inspire you most! 2. There are many different styles of illumination, and in western manuscripts, you can find stunning examples from the Celtic ( Book of Kells and Lindisfarne Gospels), through to Anglo Saxon ( Grimbald Gospels), Ottonian, Romanesque, Gothic, Whitevine, Classical – right up to a reinvention today with gorgeous contemporary illumination.
Illuminated writing full#
Huge full pages of decoration, as in the Lindisfarne Gospels, separate the book into sections. Lavishly decorated letters marked the beginning of passages and gave visual clues to the context of the page. Silver tends to blacken over time, so gold in various forms, such as powder and leaf, became the preferred choice of illuminators as it retains its brilliance.īooks, especially religious texts, were illuminated for practical reasons as well as to honor deities. It refers to the addition of bright colors and especially gold and silver, to decorations in manuscripts. The word ‘illumination’ comes from the Latin’ illuminate’ and means to enlighten. A brief history about illuminated lettersīefore we start, here is a little about the history of illuminated letters in manuscripts. Without any further ado’s, let’s get started! 1. Further Study and book recommendations for illuminated letters.Materials you will need for your project.A brief history of illuminated letters.Here is a quick outline of the order of this tutorial.
These letters are such fun to make, and the techniques of painting and gilding can be applied to border patterns as well to create the most amazing works of art. I’m going to be talking you through the process of creating a beautiful illuminated letter from scratch using real gold. Hello Everyone, my name is Sue Higginson, and I am a calligrapher from the UK.
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