Calligraphy, Continued
Holding the pen Let the pen rest on the knuckle of your middle finger and hold the pen with
your thumb and forefinger. Your forefinger should remain arched. If your
forefinger straightens, you are pressing too hard. There should be very little
pressure of your fingers on the penholder, between the pen nib and the paper,
and your hand on the tabletop.
Figure 5-60 shows how to correctly hold a lettering pen.
Figure 5-60.—Holding a lettering pen correctly.
Practice
There is no substitute for practice in calligraphy. It takes time to develop the
forearm, wrist, hand, and eye coordination required to letter beautifully.
Practice regularly. When tired or tense, stop practicing until more rested.
Plan to practice uninterrupted.
Continued on next page
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