The letters “I”Q” and “L” are always fun and cause quite a sensation when done
well. There are only a few letters that are completed from start to finish with one
continuous brush stroke and here we have 3 beauties. Both the “I” and “Q” start
smack in the middle of your top and bottom register lines. You start your stroke
down, bringing it up and around to make your oval. You will want to drop the right
side of your oval lower than your original beginning and then each letter has a fancy
loop at the bottom all of it’s own. I strongly think the “Q” resembles the numeral
2 and that’s how I usually approach it. The letter “L” should always show graceful
movement. Make sure you drop it low enough that the bottom tail swings a little
under your bottom register line.
These letters all require a lot of “swing” and you get that after much practice. I can’t
help you much with this other than to give you encouragement and a good example
to study. I can tell you that if you move more with your body and not your arms you
will have the best results. Tuck your elbows lightly to your waist and although not rig-
idly stuck keep them there!! Bend your waist, dip your knees, arch your back, stretch
your shoulders, pivot your torso, but most important--DO NOT wave your arms all
about.
“U”Y”V”W” &”X” are letters that require a double start.
I’ve marked with a red cross where you begin each brush stroke. Your first
stroke will move down and continue movement until the finish of the letter
you will then return to the same top starting point and move your stroke
into a swooping oval to the left side of the letter. Try to give this swooping
oval all the flair you can because in truth it’s the only thing that makes these
letters attractive. The right leg of the “X” always looks best if you drag it
much lower than the register line. Of course this is if space allows and with
capitals it usually does.
The remainder of the letters have no similarities to any others so I’ll put
them in a little group by themselves.
The best way I can describe the letter “E” is a mirror image of the number
3 we used in the “B” it may even resemble two “c’s”. Again it’s important to
keep the top loop smaller than the bottom. You won’t have to retrace the
entire letter as in the “C”, but you will have to return to the top in order to
finish the loop.
The letter “S” comes with practice; the important part of this letter is that
you must retain an oval appearance with the center cross bar touching
both sides of the imaginary oval. Remember that each letter must have a
pretty oval in it or fit neatly in the allotted space an oval would take. You will
have to return to the top of the letter once again to finish your loop. I don’t
make a huge artistic statement with my “J” I’ve had the best luck with this
simple rendition because sometimes you can run into problems dropping the “J” down with a tail. The letter can become confusing
and sometimes resemble a “G” so as a general rule I stick with this very simple version that can’t be mistaken for anything but a
“J”. The horribly scary “Z” is not really frightening at all, one stroke from start to finish. A small loop at the top working to the right
always carry your straight cross bar all the way down to the register line and then finish with a pretty oval swoop. And there you have
the complete alphabet of all 26 capital script letters. Far from perfect but attractive none the less. On the subject of double strok-
ing always remember that any stroke coming down will be thick and any stroke moving up will be left thin. If your letters are spaced
properly this will not be a problem and double stroking will give your lettering a more professional finished appearance. I’ve inserted
a sample sheet of the entire alphabet done in double stroke. While double stroking you always take the opportunity to re-shape and
straighten up your letters. This is the final chance you have to make your letters more attractive, so take just a moment and stand
back to examine your letters closely and then by all means take this opportunity to do any necessary repairs. Practice is what will
acquire a pretty hand lettered alphabet and there’s no getting around it.I wish you much luck with this and I assure you that even
the practice of lettering can become a pleasant chore. It’s possible to see progress very quickly if you approach your practice with
enthusiasm. Happy Lettering!!
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