Calligraphy and Illumination

Discover the art of beautiful writing as Cari Ferraro invites you into her artistic world and teaches you the timeless arts of calligraphy and illumination. In this book, Cari introduces you to this thriving art form by giving you a firm grounding in traditional styles of broad pen calligraphy, which will serve as a springboard for your own exploration of letterforms and expressive writing. She defines several historical alphabet styles that are made with the broad penùfrom the stately blackletter hand to the graceful italic style. And she provides the sequence and direction of each letter stroke, as well as helpful notes and the suggested nib type for each hand. Guiding you stroke by stroke through a variety of calligraphic hands, from the stately blackletter to the elegant italic, this book also provides step-by-step instruction on the centuries-old art of illumination. Inside, youÆll find all the information you need to embark on an exciting exploration of this elegant art form!

Cari Ferraro has been practicing calligraphy for over three decades. She has studied with many of the finest calligraphers teaching today, and taught broad pen calligraphy to children and adults. Her design business, Prose and Letters, has fulfilled calligraphy commissions for weddings, corporations, institutions and individuals since 1982. She also maintains a website as an online portfolio and catalog of her cards, prints, books, and wedding certificates. Her calligraphic manuscript books are collected by individuals and libraries around the country. Her work has been featured in the magazines "Victoria", "Letter Arts Review," and "Somerset Studio," the Calligrapher's Engagement Calendar, and several wedding books. Cari makes her home in Northern California.