2024 Workshops
Copperplate, Spencerian & Flourishing with the pointed pen
Engrosser's Script, better known as "Copperplate"
Off-Hand Bird Flourishing in the Style of the Golden Age of Penmanship
Spencerian & Ornamental Spencerian - (the Original American Script)
For "Copperplate" script, I teach using the time honored ZANERIAN MANUAL as well as other gorgeous exemplars from the greatest penmen of the past.
Spencerian & Ornamental Spencerian - (the Original American Script)
Off-Hand Bird Flourishing in the Style of the Golden Age of Penmanship
Spencerian & Ornamental Spencerian - (the Original American Script)
For Spencerian, I have various resources I've combined to create a packet of exemplars and tools for learning and practicing, as well as a beautiful introduction of its fascinating history as the true "American" script created by Platt Rogers Spencer.
Off-Hand Bird Flourishing in the Style of the Golden Age of Penmanship
Off-Hand Bird Flourishing in the Style of the Golden Age of Penmanship
Off-Hand Bird Flourishing in the Style of the Golden Age of Penmanship
For anyone who already has a working proficiency with the pointed pen, I offer lessons on flourishing to add impressive ornate embellishments to script, or to create one of a kind individual works with your pointed pen!
I'm so glad you are interested in keeping this art alive!
Thank you for your interest in this amazing art form!
I am fascinated by the "Golden Age of Penmanship" which was a period in the United States that lasted roughly from 1850 to 1925. Some of the most stunning specimens of lettering and offhand flourishing, ever made was born in this era from the hands of master penman who worked with hairline producing flexible metal nibs dipped in ink. Many of the nibs I use are vintage nibs that are over one hundred years old! This picture of a bird flourish is one of many I created over the years to emulate the style of Off-Hand flourished birds created by the masters of the Golden Age. It fascinates me to no end and is such a relaxing and fulfilling way to have even more fun with a pointed pen and ink!
It is my passion and deepest desire to keep the flame of this beautiful time in our nation's history burning through continued study and teaching to private students and in workshops. Although I will dive right in to writing during your first lesson, I will also emphasize the history as well throughout my teaching, making sure to verbally and visually reference the masterful exemplars of the past. There is much more to this art that meets the eye!
My Passion for Teaching and Years of Experience...
I am proud to say I helped launch very successful calligraphy careers for numerous amazing calligraphers who I greatly admire and am honored to call my friends today. They have conveyed to me that my teaching early on in their journey inspired them and helped them build a solid foundation they were able to take and grow with to achieve great personal and commercial success.
As an instructor, introducing someone to a new art form, especially one as tedious as calligraphy, must be done in a way that encourages and delights vs. discourages and confuses. Lessons should be thorough, challenging and detailed, but also must be enjoyable, positive and enthusiastic. I strive to offer the kind of introduction to calligraphy that will make a wonderful impression and to help you believe in yourself! It is not easy to learn, but it is incredibly satisfying and fulfilling with the right attitude and determination.
I have taught countless classes and workshops over the years through local guilds as well as one-on-one private lessons. I taught regularly at Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami, Florida and was one of the instructors for I.A.M.P.E.T.H. (International Association of Master Penmen and Teachers of Engrossing) in 2013.
I teach the pure classic scripts as written by the penmen of the late 1800s using the Zanerian Manual and other books and exemplars from history's greatest penmen of the past. If you want to learn authentic "old school" pointed pen calligraphy, I am ready when you are!
Cheers & Flourishes!
Monica Rachel Gordon
ENGROSSER'S SCRIPT AKA "COPPERPLATE" & SPENCERIAN LESSONS
One-on-one lessons
I offer private lessons for either Spencerian or Copperplate at my residence in Hollywood, Florida or alternatively at a designated meeting place we can decide on.
Workshops
I offer workshops from time to time, so if interested please email me your information so I may keep you posted on upcoming location and dates.
If you have or wish to form a group of 4 or more people for a workshop, we can chat about it and coordinate the date and time that best suits everyone (and when and where etc. ) Please email me to set up a time to speak and I will give you more information.
Private Parties
Corporate Events
Weddings
Bridal Showers
Baby Showers
Company branding/marketing
If you would like to hire me for your event as an on-site calligrapher either as performance artist, to entertain your guests or for calligraphy services (or a combination!) I am happy to be of service! I come fully prepared... table and all (unless you have a specific desk or area you need me to be). Please contact me for details.
Scenes from a workshop!
