How to Draw Old English Numbers
Drawing Old English calligraphy numbers is not as easy as it may look. The Romans learned calligraphy writing skills from the Greeks around 850 B.C. and adapted the fancy style to the Latin language. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the church in Europe continued to use the Latin language. Monks sat for many years, carefully scribing beautiful ancient texts in both Latin and Old English calligraphic works of art. Decorative and specialty papers were used for the special Old English calligraphy books, and they were reserved mainly for royalty, nobility and official church use. Learning how to draw Old English calligraphy numbers can be an enjoyable and historic experience, but it does take patience, and some special supplies and equipment.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Old English calligraphy font(s)
- Drawing board
- Black calligraphy markers (5.0 mm, 3.5mm, and 2.0mm)
- Stack of old newspapers
- Large paperclips
Instructions
-
Drawing Old English Calligraphy Numbers
-
1
Make an enlarged copy of the Old English calligraphy fonts that you have purchased.
-
2
Set up the drawing board. Place the old newspapers on the drawing board, and on top of them the enlarged Old English calligraphy font paper. Clip the newspapers and calligraphy font paper to the drawing board with the large paperclips.
-
-
3
Using the widest 5.0 mm black marker, trace over the Old English calligraphy font numbers in the areas where you see the widest or thickest pen strokes being used. Try to trace the calligraphy font lines in one single stroke, without removing the calligraphy marker from the page. Be aware of how your hands are angled, and the angle of the calligraphy marker tip. Adjust the calligraphy marker tip as need be at the top and bottoms of wider calligraphy characters.
-
4
Trace the medium-line Old English calligraphy number characters with the medium width 3.5 mm black calligraphy marker.
-
5
Trace the thin lines on the Old English calligraphy font with the 2.0 mm black calligraphy marker.
-
6
Go back in to the Old English calligraphy numbers you traced, and start in filling in shaded areas with the combination of the three calligraphy marker sizes, as needed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Before you attempt to draw your own freehand Old English calligraphy numbers, you will want to make many practice attempts using calligraphy fonts that have been enlarged for you to trace. Practice frequently to get an expert idea of how to draw Old English numbers in calligraphy. There are many different styles of Old English calligraphy numbers, so don't be afraid to try out a few styles first.
Before you purchase special expensive paper to make presentations or certificates using Old English calligraphy numbers, it is best to practice on cheaper calligraphy font paper. Once you make a marker or pen stroke, it is very difficult to undo it.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
