The Calligrapher’s Process, instructed by Rick Paulus Oct 18, 19, 25 & 26 on Zoom
October 18 and 19, and October 25 and 26, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon each day.
For CLAS members, registration opens September 14, 2025. Registration opens for non-members on September 22, 2025
Recording: Classes will be recorded and available to registrants for six months.
Skill level: Open to beginner to intermediate calligraphers who should be familiar with the use of a dip pen. Knowledge of a formal hand is not required.
Costs: Member - $85.00; Non-member $120.00, which includes CLAS membership ($35.00). The non-refundable fee includes handouts and recordings of the sessions. (Registration information is below.)
Class Description
The process of placing text on a page in a meaningful way can be a daunting leap for one who has never attempted to do so. This comprehensive studio workshop is designed to introduce beginner and intermediate calligraphers to the process of creating a finished piece. Through a series of independent assignments, Rick will gently guide us through the steps of taking work from concept to completion using easily acquired methods and processes. Demonstrations and guided exercises will introduce the use of watercolor, gouache, masking fluid, gold leaf, and a range of papers.
This is an opportunity to enjoy time in the virtual studio with former White House chief calligrapher, Rick Paulus, as he shares traditional methods, techniques, and tricks of the trade as we move our own projects forward.
Biography:
Rick Paulus has been a calligrapher and a teacher for over forty years. He apprenticed for several years at the legendary Tolley Studios in Washington, DC, before becoming the engrosser for the US State Department. In 1998, he was appointed chief calligrapher of the White House, where he remained for two presidents until, in 2006, he heeded the call of the wild and left Washington, DC, to explore new adventures in nature and in art. Today, in addi- tion to enjoying calligraphic explorations from his studio nestled near the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Rick is dedicated to sharing the knowledge gained through many years of studio production and experimentation to students young and old alike. To view more of his beautiful lettering, visit his website, rickpauluscalligraphy.com.
Supplies
Slant board/desk: Any stiff board measuring at least 18” x 20” (Masonite, 1/4” birch plywood, Gatorfoam, plexiglass, etc.) Inexpensive at Lowe’s, Home Depot, local hardware store.
Pen holders and nibs: Full set of your favorite broad-edge nibs and pens, typically 6-8 sizes. Minimum of two pen holders, but best to have enough for full set of nibs or 6-8 holders. Oblique holder and pointed nibs, if you are inclined.
Brushes: Appropriate for the work you hope to produce. For typical color mixing and pen-loading, you will want an old retired brush. (Paper and Ink sells a fantastic natural bristle brush for loading and mixing for $1.) Also have on hand brushes appropriate for any painting that you have in mind for your work: fine brushes if you intend to work small and delicate; big, bold brushes if you intend to work on a large canvas or wall; or anything in between.
Ink: Black ink, your favorite. (Sumi Moon Palace recommended)
Gouache and Watercolor: Small tube(s) or tablets, cakes, etc. of watercolor and gouache.
I will encourage you to use plenty of color during this class. Please use your judgment as to how many colors you need on hand. At a minimum, have one color in addition to the black ink you will be using. Ideally, you should have a full palette from which to work. This can become expensive, but does not have to be so; four of the right color tubes/cakes will get you all the colors you will need—CMYK.
Paper: Your favorite workshop-grade paper. Suggestion: Strathmore Bristol with vellum finish, Canson XL Mixed Media, Borden and Riley Marker layout, Bienfang Graphics 360 Marker Layout, etc. Some of those are translucent, others are not. All of them have good surfaces and receive ink nicely. Minimum of 1 sheet of Arches 90# or 140# hot or cold press, or other high quality paper of your choice on which to create completed work.
Tracing Paper: A 12” roll is preferred and most cost effective, but tracing paper pads are okay.
Pencil: Your favorite fine pencil or lead and sharpener. Suggest a .05 HB lead in a mechanical pencil.
Erasers: Clean plastic eraser or clean kneaded eraser.
Ruler: Metal will give you more accurate measuring and a good, straight, sharp edge.
Tape: Artist tape, Frog Tape, Washi, or removable scotch tape. I recommend 1/2” roll but defer to your favorite.
Xacto knife: #11 blade (sharp, pointed blade), or your favorite fine cutting tool. Cutting mat.
Water container and paper towels or clean up cloths
Text from which to work: One short poem/passage (10-15 words) and one long poem/passage (40-50 words).
OPTIONAL: T square, parallel rule, triangle, scissors, protractor, extra brushes, thin light box, Saral transfer or graphite paper, gold leaf and size, masking fluid, any favorite writing or painting tool(s) which I may have left out.
REGISTRATION
For CLAS members, registration opens September 14, 2025. Registration opens for non-members on September 22, 2025. The non-refundable fee includes handouts and video recordings of the sessions available to registrants for six months. Fees must be paid in US dollars. Registration closes October 14, 2025 at 12:00 midnight.
You may register via Zelle, PayPal, or check, details for which are on our CLAS website, carolinaletteringarts.com/workshops. Payments may be made on September 14 or later. Mail personal checks madepayable to CLAS to Kathi Fogleman at 28 Pine Shores Drive, Southport, NC, 28461.
We will email confirmation of your registration. Handouts and Zoom link will be emailed to you closer to the workshop dates.
Questions/Contact
For questions, contact Kathi Fogleman at kathifogleman@yahoo.com.
October 18 and 19, and October 25 and 26, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon each day.
For CLAS members, registration opens September 14, 2025. Registration opens for non-members on September 22, 2025
Recording: Classes will be recorded and available to registrants for six months.
Skill level: Open to beginner to intermediate calligraphers who should be familiar with the use of a dip pen. Knowledge of a formal hand is not required.
Costs: Member - $85.00; Non-member $120.00, which includes CLAS membership ($35.00). The non-refundable fee includes handouts and recordings of the sessions. (Registration information is below.)
Class Description
The process of placing text on a page in a meaningful way can be a daunting leap for one who has never attempted to do so. This comprehensive studio workshop is designed to introduce beginner and intermediate calligraphers to the process of creating a finished piece. Through a series of independent assignments, Rick will gently guide us through the steps of taking work from concept to completion using easily acquired methods and processes. Demonstrations and guided exercises will introduce the use of watercolor, gouache, masking fluid, gold leaf, and a range of papers.
This is an opportunity to enjoy time in the virtual studio with former White House chief calligrapher, Rick Paulus, as he shares traditional methods, techniques, and tricks of the trade as we move our own projects forward.
Biography:
Rick Paulus has been a calligrapher and a teacher for over forty years. He apprenticed for several years at the legendary Tolley Studios in Washington, DC, before becoming the engrosser for the US State Department. In 1998, he was appointed chief calligrapher of the White House, where he remained for two presidents until, in 2006, he heeded the call of the wild and left Washington, DC, to explore new adventures in nature and in art. Today, in addi- tion to enjoying calligraphic explorations from his studio nestled near the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Rick is dedicated to sharing the knowledge gained through many years of studio production and experimentation to students young and old alike. To view more of his beautiful lettering, visit his website, rickpauluscalligraphy.com.
Supplies
Slant board/desk: Any stiff board measuring at least 18” x 20” (Masonite, 1/4” birch plywood, Gatorfoam, plexiglass, etc.) Inexpensive at Lowe’s, Home Depot, local hardware store.
Pen holders and nibs: Full set of your favorite broad-edge nibs and pens, typically 6-8 sizes. Minimum of two pen holders, but best to have enough for full set of nibs or 6-8 holders. Oblique holder and pointed nibs, if you are inclined.
Brushes: Appropriate for the work you hope to produce. For typical color mixing and pen-loading, you will want an old retired brush. (Paper and Ink sells a fantastic natural bristle brush for loading and mixing for $1.) Also have on hand brushes appropriate for any painting that you have in mind for your work: fine brushes if you intend to work small and delicate; big, bold brushes if you intend to work on a large canvas or wall; or anything in between.
Ink: Black ink, your favorite. (Sumi Moon Palace recommended)
Gouache and Watercolor: Small tube(s) or tablets, cakes, etc. of watercolor and gouache.
I will encourage you to use plenty of color during this class. Please use your judgment as to how many colors you need on hand. At a minimum, have one color in addition to the black ink you will be using. Ideally, you should have a full palette from which to work. This can become expensive, but does not have to be so; four of the right color tubes/cakes will get you all the colors you will need—CMYK.
Paper: Your favorite workshop-grade paper. Suggestion: Strathmore Bristol with vellum finish, Canson XL Mixed Media, Borden and Riley Marker layout, Bienfang Graphics 360 Marker Layout, etc. Some of those are translucent, others are not. All of them have good surfaces and receive ink nicely. Minimum of 1 sheet of Arches 90# or 140# hot or cold press, or other high quality paper of your choice on which to create completed work.
Tracing Paper: A 12” roll is preferred and most cost effective, but tracing paper pads are okay.
Pencil: Your favorite fine pencil or lead and sharpener. Suggest a .05 HB lead in a mechanical pencil.
Erasers: Clean plastic eraser or clean kneaded eraser.
Ruler: Metal will give you more accurate measuring and a good, straight, sharp edge.
Tape: Artist tape, Frog Tape, Washi, or removable scotch tape. I recommend 1/2” roll but defer to your favorite.
Xacto knife: #11 blade (sharp, pointed blade), or your favorite fine cutting tool. Cutting mat.
Water container and paper towels or clean up cloths
Text from which to work: One short poem/passage (10-15 words) and one long poem/passage (40-50 words).
OPTIONAL: T square, parallel rule, triangle, scissors, protractor, extra brushes, thin light box, Saral transfer or graphite paper, gold leaf and size, masking fluid, any favorite writing or painting tool(s) which I may have left out.
REGISTRATION
For CLAS members, registration opens September 14, 2025. Registration opens for non-members on September 22, 2025. The non-refundable fee includes handouts and video recordings of the sessions available to registrants for six months. Fees must be paid in US dollars. Registration closes October 14, 2025 at 12:00 midnight.
You may register via Zelle, PayPal, or check, details for which are on our CLAS website, carolinaletteringarts.com/workshops. Payments may be made on September 14 or later. Mail personal checks madepayable to CLAS to Kathi Fogleman at 28 Pine Shores Drive, Southport, NC, 28461.
We will email confirmation of your registration. Handouts and Zoom link will be emailed to you closer to the workshop dates.
Questions/Contact
For questions, contact Kathi Fogleman at kathifogleman@yahoo.com.
October 18 and 19, and October 25 and 26, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon each day.
For CLAS members, registration opens September 14, 2025. Registration opens for non-members on September 22, 2025
Recording: Classes will be recorded and available to registrants for six months.
Skill level: Open to beginner to intermediate calligraphers who should be familiar with the use of a dip pen. Knowledge of a formal hand is not required.
Costs: Member - $85.00; Non-member $120.00, which includes CLAS membership ($35.00). The non-refundable fee includes handouts and recordings of the sessions. (Registration information is below.)
Class Description
The process of placing text on a page in a meaningful way can be a daunting leap for one who has never attempted to do so. This comprehensive studio workshop is designed to introduce beginner and intermediate calligraphers to the process of creating a finished piece. Through a series of independent assignments, Rick will gently guide us through the steps of taking work from concept to completion using easily acquired methods and processes. Demonstrations and guided exercises will introduce the use of watercolor, gouache, masking fluid, gold leaf, and a range of papers.
This is an opportunity to enjoy time in the virtual studio with former White House chief calligrapher, Rick Paulus, as he shares traditional methods, techniques, and tricks of the trade as we move our own projects forward.
Biography:
Rick Paulus has been a calligrapher and a teacher for over forty years. He apprenticed for several years at the legendary Tolley Studios in Washington, DC, before becoming the engrosser for the US State Department. In 1998, he was appointed chief calligrapher of the White House, where he remained for two presidents until, in 2006, he heeded the call of the wild and left Washington, DC, to explore new adventures in nature and in art. Today, in addi- tion to enjoying calligraphic explorations from his studio nestled near the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Rick is dedicated to sharing the knowledge gained through many years of studio production and experimentation to students young and old alike. To view more of his beautiful lettering, visit his website, rickpauluscalligraphy.com.
Supplies
Slant board/desk: Any stiff board measuring at least 18” x 20” (Masonite, 1/4” birch plywood, Gatorfoam, plexiglass, etc.) Inexpensive at Lowe’s, Home Depot, local hardware store.
Pen holders and nibs: Full set of your favorite broad-edge nibs and pens, typically 6-8 sizes. Minimum of two pen holders, but best to have enough for full set of nibs or 6-8 holders. Oblique holder and pointed nibs, if you are inclined.
Brushes: Appropriate for the work you hope to produce. For typical color mixing and pen-loading, you will want an old retired brush. (Paper and Ink sells a fantastic natural bristle brush for loading and mixing for $1.) Also have on hand brushes appropriate for any painting that you have in mind for your work: fine brushes if you intend to work small and delicate; big, bold brushes if you intend to work on a large canvas or wall; or anything in between.
Ink: Black ink, your favorite. (Sumi Moon Palace recommended)
Gouache and Watercolor: Small tube(s) or tablets, cakes, etc. of watercolor and gouache.
I will encourage you to use plenty of color during this class. Please use your judgment as to how many colors you need on hand. At a minimum, have one color in addition to the black ink you will be using. Ideally, you should have a full palette from which to work. This can become expensive, but does not have to be so; four of the right color tubes/cakes will get you all the colors you will need—CMYK.
Paper: Your favorite workshop-grade paper. Suggestion: Strathmore Bristol with vellum finish, Canson XL Mixed Media, Borden and Riley Marker layout, Bienfang Graphics 360 Marker Layout, etc. Some of those are translucent, others are not. All of them have good surfaces and receive ink nicely. Minimum of 1 sheet of Arches 90# or 140# hot or cold press, or other high quality paper of your choice on which to create completed work.
Tracing Paper: A 12” roll is preferred and most cost effective, but tracing paper pads are okay.
Pencil: Your favorite fine pencil or lead and sharpener. Suggest a .05 HB lead in a mechanical pencil.
Erasers: Clean plastic eraser or clean kneaded eraser.
Ruler: Metal will give you more accurate measuring and a good, straight, sharp edge.
Tape: Artist tape, Frog Tape, Washi, or removable scotch tape. I recommend 1/2” roll but defer to your favorite.
Xacto knife: #11 blade (sharp, pointed blade), or your favorite fine cutting tool. Cutting mat.
Water container and paper towels or clean up cloths
Text from which to work: One short poem/passage (10-15 words) and one long poem/passage (40-50 words).
OPTIONAL: T square, parallel rule, triangle, scissors, protractor, extra brushes, thin light box, Saral transfer or graphite paper, gold leaf and size, masking fluid, any favorite writing or painting tool(s) which I may have left out.
REGISTRATION
For CLAS members, registration opens September 14, 2025. Registration opens for non-members on September 22, 2025. The non-refundable fee includes handouts and video recordings of the sessions available to registrants for six months. Fees must be paid in US dollars. Registration closes October 14, 2025 at 12:00 midnight.
You may register via Zelle, PayPal, or check, details for which are on our CLAS website, carolinaletteringarts.com/workshops. Payments may be made on September 14 or later. Mail personal checks madepayable to CLAS to Kathi Fogleman at 28 Pine Shores Drive, Southport, NC, 28461.
We will email confirmation of your registration. Handouts and Zoom link will be emailed to you closer to the workshop dates.
Questions/Contact
For questions, contact Kathi Fogleman at kathifogleman@yahoo.com.