I started by drawing one of the Celtic corner designs then tracing it onto the other three corners. That way I wouldn’t disturb the lettering when I modified or erased parts of the border design. I did a draft of the lettering on one sheet, then layered another over it to draw the border. The rough sketch was drawn on tracing paper with a pencil. That gave me one less thing to concern myself with on this project. Also, since I use Stillman and Birn sketchbooks with 270 gsm paper quite often, I’m familiar with how the watercolor behaves on it. It comes in 22″ x 30″ sheets, its surface is smooth enough for the lettering nib to glide across, and it doesn’t wrinkle or bend when watercolor is applied.
Medieval illuminated manuscripts june calendar series#
Since I wanted the piece to have a vintage feel, I chose ivory-colored 270 gsm Stillman and Birn Delta series paper for the final artwork. I used a Speedball C-5 nib and DeAtramentis black ink I started practicing the chancery italic calligraphy style, which I hadn’t used much in recent years, and experimented with different nib sizes and inks to see which would give me the results I wanted.
We discussed what some of his interests had been, and she began gathering the appropriate reference photos for me. The design process began with Mary emailing me background information about Tim. “Tribute to Tim”, 9″ x 12″, ink and watercolor on Stillman and Birn ivory Delta series 270 gsm paper I’d like to share with you how I approached this unusual commission and give you a glimpse into the life of a man who was cherished by his wife, family, and friends. (If you’re not sure what an illuminated manuscript is, you can read about them here.) Not only would it include a formal reading from his funeral, one which had great meaning to the family, but it would also capture the essence of who he was as a man. It would be a tribute in the form of a traditional illuminated manuscript, but with a modern twist.
Rita’s husband, Tim, had recently passed away, and Mary, wanting to help her friend in some way, had the idea for a very special sort of memorial. They were like sisters, always there for each other. Her cousin, Rita, had been her best friend since childhood. But when my friend Mary approached me a few months ago about doing a very special piece for her, I couldn’t say no. As my calendar had filled with teaching engagements and trips to far-flung places, it became more and more difficult to find time to squeeze in the labor-intensive custom artwork. I made a decision several months ago to give up the commission side of my art business.
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