The Alphabet as Art

When drawn beautifully, letters alone can become works of art.  Illuminated manuscripts are a great example of letters whose forms are elevated to a level of beauty that rivals the accompanying images. Techniques such as gilding with gold leaf and use of intricate flourishes and embellishments transform the seemingly simple 26 letters of the Roman alphabet into breathtaking works of beauty.

Creating pictures from letters is a whimsical way to practice letterforms. Sometimes, I spend my practice hours on drills, a very necessary part of perfecting an alphabet. Writing the same letter over and over in straight lines down a page helps me compare every letter, spot mistakes and improve. But sometimes it’s more fun to create pictures with the letters, like hearts, flowers, or everyday objects. Mixing it up keeps practice fresh, and you never know what will result from a wandering pen!