A Place for Lettering

Last Post of 2011

2011-12-31T16:04:00.000-08:00

I just did a blog post at my art blog and at Ten Women on Montana Gallery so I'm sort of posted out. Please visit them to see what's happening in my other art mediums.

Here's my last calligraphy project for 2011.

This is a large piece, 11x17, created as a letter with an old 18th century feel to it. This gentlemen from Vancouver wanted to convey his love to his girlfriend the old fashioned way. Not many of these kind of men around these days.
I did a free flowing copperplate with some added handwriting touches to add some texture to it and varied the pressure a bit to give it an authentic feel. The paper was parchment and aged with a variety of inks and ink pads.
It was a large piece that didn't look right without some artistic touch so I created an originally designed first letter and added gold and alizarin crimson gouache for color. At the bottom right I created a wax seal from a rubber stamp of a pen nib I had for balance. I then rolled it up, tied it with sinu then an aged piece of cloth, again tied with dyed silk which I don't have a photo of unfortunately. I was very pleased with the end result when it was shipped off to my gentleman client.

Wishing everyone the happiest of New Years in 2012. May we all experinece Peace of Mind and Heart, Clear Intentions, Ease from being over burdened, Perfect Health mentally and physically and to recognize that abundance is our inheritence. God Bless You and Your Family and may Peace Prevail throughout the world.

Christmas Ornaments for G2 Gallery

2011-12-05T20:56:00.001-08:00

Once again, I was asked to create Christmas ornaments with the names of all the supporters and donors to animal causes for G2 Gallery on Abbot Kinney in Venice CA. These were large matte silver balls and I wrote with paints pens. If I get a chance, I will swing by the G2 and take some photos of them hanging on display. I'd actually like to see for myself how they all look hanging together.

Heidi's Wedding Envelopes

2011-12-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

This was a fun addressing job. White gouache on kraft envelopes makes a happy combination with a free style script.

Playful and Free

2011-08-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Playful, free and definitely fun!


Each envelope was just a bit different

It's rare that I get a chance to use my own twist to a calligraphy style chosen. My client, Iris, showed me what she liked and said I could do my own interpretation. She particularly liked the numbers being bouncy and some being larger than others and the overall look not so uniform. It was so refreshing not to stick to a guideline and just write. So, in honor of the opportunity and my generous client, I've named this style "Iris".

A Sign for the Bride

2011-07-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

On foamcore board to hang in the church for the brides family

Recent Addressing Jobs

2011-06-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Flourished script 1

Flourished Script 2

Sloop

Sloop 1

All caps

A Sign for Ten Women

2011-05-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Wood sign to Ten Women Main Street


Close up

Ten Women Gallery on Main Street, Santa Monica, the mother store to Ten Women Venice, asked me to create a sign for their little shop.

When I first did the sign, I did it in straight, good, old fashioned calligraphy with no embellishment. The substrate is wood and "It" had other ideas... I did the shadowing with a zig marker, the lettering in acrylic and when I sprayed it with a finishing spray the zig marker ran. Live and learn as they say and a good lesson as it turned out.
I had to gesso the entire surface and start over by adding various acrylic colors and some dictionary words, unique, handmade, creation placed within using gel medium and start the lettering all over again. I sprayed a fixative first to insure that everything would stay put and then the finishing spray of varnish.
As it turned out, it was a much better fit for where it was going to be hanging. Happiness was in the error.

School of ONE

2011-04-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

Proclamation

New Roads High School

School of ONE

The New Roads High School was proclaimed to be a School of ONE by the city of Santa Monica, CA. One of the students at New Roads, Cameron Engels, a budding actor, took on the task as spokesperson for the ONE advocacy efforts to mobilize students around global issues of extreme poverty and preventable disease. This proclamation will be presented to the school in honor of the students efforts in the challenge.

Logo and Certificate Design

2011-04-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

1-Final printing-foil stamped corner designs, ASCI logo embossed and pms color printed, balance black offset

2-Cropped printed final

2A-Personalized Printed version

3-All originals

4-Horizontal layout original

5-Vertical layout original

Received a call from a client in Ann Arbor, Michigan to redesign their certificates. The certificate that the company had been using for years was a total disaster from a professional point of view. That was why the client, ASCI, wanted a new design. Something clean and simple...
After designing the logo, ASCI, I proceeded with the layout and calligraphy style. After submitting 5 sample layouts they choose the design in #1 and wanted foil stamping for the corners and embossing for the logo with a pms 202 red color added.

The client gave me 70 names to add for the personalization but wanted 5 original certificates created in the same style, i.e.; #3 - Two were vertical layouts, #5; three horizontal, #4. I did all the personalizing on the printed certificates which kept the continuity of the lettering consistent and the end result made them look like originals as well, #2A.

All 75 calligraphed certificates got shipped to Michigan yesterday. My client has already received the balance of printed certificates so I know he was really pleased with the printing. Now I wait for his final comments and hope I made no mistakes.

Fun Style for Invite

2011-04-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to receive a completed invitation by my lovely client, Robyn, to use for my portfolio. I usually do invites in a traditional script. I don't post them because it would be redundant so, I was happy for the opportunity to do a fun style of lettering.

The entire invitation is a wonderful, fresh new look and a great representation of a fun wedding to attend. This invite was created by Posh Paperie in San Diego and my client who was extremely happy with the results saying, "They were nothing short of a true pleasure to work with and create beautiful, creative and unique invitations.", made me very happy.

"Invictus"

2011-04-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

A Poem created on Arches 90# Hot Press, Italic lettering, brause nib, black gouache with gold gouache hi-lites

Fifteen Years Together

2011-03-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

A poem for Fifteen Years Together


The scroll presentation

A new client, married 15 years wrote this poem of sorts for his loving wife and I had the honor of creating it the presentation for him. He wanted it simple and elegant. I encouraged adding a fresh flower instead of the dried one I stuck in for color however. I hope he took my advise.

Arches hot press 90#, gouache, watercolor and gouache gold highlights. This piece is quite large 12x19 to be matted and framed...

C.G. Jung Certfiicate

2011-03-11T21:40:00.000-08:00

The C.G. Jung Study Center gives a calligraphed original certificate once or twice a year. I've had the privilege of creating these certificates for them for over 8 or 9 years now.

I used gouache in black and a mixture to create red in a combination of hands on Arches hot press 140# cover. It's one of my favorite paper choices to write on.

Levine Fox Events

2011-02-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Levine Fox Events is a long time client. I adore Diane and Alyson and think they put on the most fabulous events on the west coast. I just finished the seating cards for a wedding that will take place this weekend. The cards were lovely to write on.

Just a Peek!

2011-02-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (2010 Academy Award Nomination Certificates)

Each person who is nominated for an Academy Award receives a certificate.


They receive their certificates at a Luncheon given in their honor. Each Nominee wears a badge with the category and film.

I've had the privilege of doing this work for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for over 12 now. I think I started in 1997... These are certificates and a badge which I had to redo for one reason or another.
This year I created the largest amount of certificates so far as some categories increased the number of people involved, the number of "Best Picture" increased last year to 10 nominees and some categories now require many duplicate copies. I also create new members certificates but with another department.

It's been a real pleasure working with the people at the Academy. They are so professional, easy to work with and you can count on them if there is a need to. It has been an honor to have them as a favorite client and I hope the relationship continues for many years to come.

I have posted these photos because I know ordinarily you would not have an opportunity to see behind the scenes, so to speak. The certificates are beautiful, classy and the Academy takes that extra step to have them filled in calligraphically by hand and since the nominees are not privileged information I feel it's okay to share with you. This probably won't make your day, but maybe put a little bit of fun in it.

Thanks, always, for stopping by to see my work.

2010 Recipient of the Building Bridges Award

2011-01-24T21:02:00.000-08:00

This has been the 3rd year I've had the privilege of creating this award. This being the largest I've done so far. Ambassador Kathleen Stephens has done amazing things to bridge the ties between Korea and the US. It is an honor to be a part of her being honored. The size is 20x30, using gouache and water color, pointed nib and broad edge. I also had to create her name in Korean and have it approved. A challenge to say the least.

A Letter From Santa

2010-12-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

What do you do when someone asks you to create a letter written by Santa? What could Santas handwriting look like? Well, it beat the heck out of me...so I started with personal stationery, simple, yet playful with a monogram "S" on top and went from there.

I try to envision Santa writing with a quill pen dipping it in ink with scratchy lettering so I did something like that but used a pointed nib in a straight holder and sumi ink. I'm not sure of the paper since I had it for so long and the watermark was gone, but it had the quality of good, heavy, stationery paper of old. The envelope was cut, scored and lined with a suede paper in red with a touch of candy cane ribbon on the flap. I added the ribbon to the letter as well.

It was a fun project and my client was very happy with it.

Now, on to the New Year...Happy New Year everyone!

Children Learn What They Live

2010-12-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

This piece will be sent off to my great niece, Gloriane in Florida, who has 2 young children and is raising them alone. She is having some challenges doing this by herself so I am gifting her with this piece I did in a fun calligraphy font a long time ago to have some reminders at hand about raising conscious children. We can only hope and pray that the children get it when they grow up. And, we don't want to perpetuate what needs correcting in each of our families by continuing certain behaviors. It is important, if you choose to have children, to give them the best of what you have learned from your parents and adopt new behavior for the rest.

It is very challenging to give the next generation values, instill integrity and self esteem with what they experience away from the home. I think we all need reminders every day that life is changing and it's important to be kind not only to our family and friends, but to strangers, animals and our planet. This, being only one of many things. Changing the world starts with each one of us. It only takes a moment to stop and think about how our actions and words may affect others. Okay, this topic is a big one so I'll just say, I'm sure you get the point.

Have a happy and healthy holiday...
In gratitude,
Renee

Custom Christmas gift

2010-11-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to create a unique and original Christmas card gift for the fiance of a new client. He wanted a Christmas message that he wrote in calligraphy with an envelope and 2 faux tickets also with an envelope. This entire project was designed and created from scratch. I love this kind of job!

G2 Gallery

2010-11-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

These were created for G2 Gallery on Abbot Kinney, Venice, CA. Each Christmas Ornament had the name of a supporter on them. G2 is a Photographic Gallery where a % of their proceeds go to a natural cause.

I Love You This Much

2010-10-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I was hired to create a keepsake scroll for a gentleman to give to his fiance...The final piece is 12"x16" on Somerset cover natural with water color vine and flowers, gold gouache highlights.

C.G. Jung

2010-09-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

C.G. Jung Study Center has been a client of mine for about 10 years. Students graduate and I do a Membership Certificate for them. It's the same layout every time...just the name and dates are different but each certificate is an original.

My calligraphy appears in Style me Pretty

2010-09-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

I was excited to find out today that my calligraphy appears on Style Me Pretty blog. I was totally unaware until a client of mine forwarded me the link. This was a wedding I recently did the seating elements for. What a thoughtful client....Hugs and kisses to Aubrey Atlas.

Another Papyrus Original

2010-08-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've had so many requests to do original quotes/poems, etc. on papyrus in the past 3-4 months and this is yet another.

Written in uncial script with black gouache.

60th Birthday Invite Final

2010-08-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

I posted the camera ready art for this invitation and I just receive a sample of the final so I thought I would post it. Not my usual calligraphy as they wanted a handwritten look but fun all the same.

2010-07-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

This is an original piece that was created as a wedding gift for a client. It will be matted and framed. The size is approximately 16x20 finished. The client gave me direction on how she wanted it and this is what I came up with. She was very pleased.

The paper is Arches 90# Hot Press, black gouache in Italics, metallic gold hi-lites and copic shadows. Final spray with fixative.

Non-calligraphic calligraphy

2010-07-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

I was asked by a client to create a menu using my calligraphy but making it look like handwriting...What? I didn't get it! First of all my handwriting truly sucks so I knew they didn't want that, heaven forbid. So this is what I finally ended up with after 2 go arounds and they went with this. This is the layout for approval, not the printed menu. I probably won't get to see the finished piece so I'm showing this just for the calligraphy style.

I actually had fun creating it. I used a small broad edge nib (Brause 3/4) for the larger writing not worrying for a change whether the angle of the nib was correct and just wrote. The smaller writing I used a fine point Sharpie. They were very concerned with readability as it was going to be printed rather small. Who knows...maybe I will get to see the finished piece since the client will be mounting it into a jacket which I will be personalizing. If I get a printed copy I will post it to see the quality of the writing which will be much better of course.

Since I do so much addressing it's nice to challenge myself every now again with something different. Just not too often, I hope. I have too many other things in my life that challenge me and I find it quite meditative to sit down and just write on good quality envelopes...if I'm lucky.

Gift of Love

2010-06-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

This was my first time working on papyrus and I enjoyed it. The surface took the gouache really well and the broad edge moved smoothly over the surface in an uncial font. The finished piece was placed in a shadow box and attached with foam core board to give it a floating appearance.

All in all I was please with how smoothly it all went. My client was very happy with the results as well. I love when that happens!

A Certificate of Appreciation

2010-05-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

This certificate of appreciation will be given to my clients in laws for their support and encouragement after her husband receives his long awaited degree.

A new addressing samples

2010-05-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

Recent calligraphy samples in pointed pen.

Proverb

2010-05-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

I was hired to create this for a young man for his wife as an anniversary present. I'm not fond of foundational but I thought the proverb called for it with a touch of gothic. The Tulips are the wife's favorite flower, orange favorite color and a nice contemporary touch to the overall piece.

Something for Oprah

2010-05-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

I've been working with a local florist located in Venice, Fiore Designs, and personalizing all sorts of things like mirrors, bark, and now chalk board for their client Will and Jade Smith. This chalk board was personalized for Oprah in lieu of a gift to signify a donation to her favorite charity. I believe they attached it to a wooden frame and decorated the entire piece with floral arrangements, however, I didn't get to see the final piece. This is just my part in it.

Custom invitation set

2010-05-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

This is an invitation set that I recently did the artwork for and received my sample. The lettering, a flourished script, was taken from an invitation that I had created several years ago that the client liked and was then sent to Crane to be printed.

A page in Lisa's journal

2010-03-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is a page in my friend Lisa's journal, blogged about at The Word is Art.

Another Invitation in flourished calligraphy

2010-03-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been doing quite a few art works and I'm having a heck of a time getting it all ready for the printer. I wish I knew more about the whole process because each one wants something different and I just can't keep in all straight.

Have you ever tried scanning at 2400 dpi? It took me all day yesterday to scan and clean up the menu I did in photoshop. When I dropped it off to the printer, he couldn't open the file because I have an old version of Photoshop 7 and I work on a Vista PC. What a mess. It will be interesting to see how it all turns out.

This is going to Crane and they want something different entirely. I think I'll stick to the simple stuff like originals.

Vanity Fair Oscar Party

2010-03-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I spent part of the afternoon at the Sunset Tower Hotel working on the last minute changes to the programs that were used as seating for the Oscar dinner party given every year by Vanity Fair. On one side was the table number and the front the guest names. I used a Sloop font to write the names. Inside was the program set forth by the Academy Awards being air on TV. These guests got to jot down their pick of winners as they viewed the show on a wide screen at the party. I didn't get to go to the party but left just before the guests started to arrive. The hoopla on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood was amazing and it was difficult to squeeze by all the cameras, reporters, police, fire dept. trucks and looky loos waiting to catch a glimpse of the guests. It rained pretty heavily around 2 P.M. so there was a lot of water at the entrance to the hotel. Not fun for the women in their gowns. I kept hearing "where the wet vac?" but I guess they couldn't find one. Oh well, what everyone got to see on TV was only the good stuff and not the hassle it takes to prepare for an event like this. Vanity Fair was at the hotel for 2 weeks prior to last night. It was interesting to see how well they all worked together to have everything go smoothly and since they have been doing it for 14 years, I guess they worked out lots of the kinks by now.

Since I also work on the Nomination Certificates, I feel attached to the Oscar program and drove home with anticipation to view and bet on my favorites. I was surprised at some of the results. I also wanted to see Hugh Jackman host the show again. He's just too much eye candy! Oh well, maybe my wish will come true next year.

She changed her mind

2010-03-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

After doing the artwork for this menu 4 times, my client finally accepted it. This was a real learning experience for me and my skills on the computer. I guess there's a reason for everything.

Academy Award Nomination Certificates

2010-02-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

For the past 10+ years, I've been doing the Academy Award Nomination Certificates. In each category, everyone who is nominated for an Academy Award receives this certificate which I personalize in my calligraphy. I am honored and humbled by this achievement and feel blessed to be part of this incredible field of the arts which I so admire.

Wedding Menu

2010-02-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

This is copy created for the menu that has followed the wedding invitation elements.

Wedding Vows

2010-02-15T21:32:00.000-08:00

Wedding vows for a client who presented it to his bride on Valentine's Day. This piece was done on 90# Arches Watercolor hot press.

Building Bridges Award

2010-01-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

This year the Pacific Century Institute is honoring The Honorable Harold Brown with the Building Bridges Award.

This is an original piece of calligraphic art measuring 20" x 24".

Invitation elements in flourished calligraphy

2010-01-28T22:48:00.000-08:00

From the camera ready artwork to the printing of the invite...here is results. These elements were letter pressed and came out quite lovely.

The client wanted the addressing to be very flourished as that is her taste in calligraphy. I aim to please.

Simple Italic and block lettering

2010-01-08T21:39:00.000-08:00

The samples on top in pink are a simple pointed pen italic and the these in coral are simple block lettering.

Camera ready custom invitation

2009-12-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

These are elements of an invitation I just created to be printed by an invitation company.

My client wanted lots of flourishes within the script. My motto is...ask and you shall receive.

The "F" Word...Femininity

2009-12-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

This is a one of a kind, handmade custom book created with all quotes by women. These are just some of the pages from the book.

The "F" Word is a name that I came up with when living in Hawaii and created a frame piece of art using the title as the art. I sold the original piece and always wanted to create another but never did. Instead, I made a book with the same title and used a gorgeous piece of handmade paper that I purchased when living in Hawaii for the cover and throughout as a collage element.

Holiday party elements

2009-12-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

These are elements to a holiday party this weekend.
I was given the small silver seating envelopes and the green paper. I purchased the card stock to match the silver envelope to create the table names and cut the green paper to the table number insert size the the larger table names which were mounted with double sided tape.

The ink I used was Winsor Newton silver gouache with black added to make it a deep sparkly gray.

The font was my rendition of a script.

Commissioned original work

2009-12-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

Handmade Book marks

2009-11-21T19:00:00.001-08:00

These are some bookmarks that I created for Ten Women Gallery with calligraphic quotes written on top of paste paper wand collaged. They were put into plastic sleeves with a tassel afterwards.

Bickham on Black

2009-11-07T10:18:00.001-08:00

I enjoyed this job and the delicacy of the lettering, champagne on black.

A sign created for Inspirational Retreat

2009-11-06T19:13:00.001-08:00

This is a wood shelf that I was saving for just this occasion. It's a birthday gift for my step daughter and also the sign to hang at the entrance to the Inspirational Retreat, our new teaching venue.
Mixed media collage using acrylic paint and brush calligraphy using acrylic ink.

Hand Lettering

2009-11-01T19:39:00.001-08:00

A few pages of a mixed media collage book that I created by hand was published in Marci and DeAnn's book...Hand Lettering.

Logo banner for blog

2009-10-29T20:57:00.001-07:00

A logo in free hand calligraphy for Inspirational Retreat, a teaching venue in Agoura Hills, California.

Calligraphy on Wood

2009-10-19T21:28:00.001-07:00

Calligraphy on wood, mixed media collage. A decorative piece to hang for inspiration.

Affair Script

2009-10-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is the Affair Script created on hot pink gloss envelopes in white gouache

Recent calligraphy work August 09

2009-09-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

This invitation is an original done in copperplate. I created 3 for Balenciaga along with addressed envelope.

These are little seating envelopes in a custom Bickham hand, navy ink.

Table Numbers in flourished script

2009-08-30T21:33:00.001-07:00

Various flourished titles for wedding

2009-08-30T21:27:00.003-07:00

Monogram

2009-08-30T21:27:00.001-07:00

This is an original monogram created for a personalized framed collage.

Seating cards in Montague script

2009-08-30T21:11:00.001-07:00

An Original Award

2009-08-24T22:38:00.001-07:00

This is an original award created in calligraphy

Invitation and RSVP

2009-08-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

The client had her invitations letterpressed using my script calligraphy with some of the elements in both hand calligraphy and type font

An Original

2009-08-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

This quote by Joseph Campbell was a 8x10 using italic script with an illuminated first letter.

By Hand

2009-08-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

Original invitation and personalized envelopes. This calligraphy is my own creation inspired by my clients vision of something unique and sort of funky. It was quite a lot of fun to do...something different.

An Original Invitation

2009-08-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

This is the close up of the invitation from above.

2009-08-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

Baker Script

2009-08-20T21:46:00.002-07:00

Envelope addressed copying the Baker Script font.

2009-08-20T21:46:00.001-07:00

Burgues Script

2009-08-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

Envelope addressing copying the Burgues Script font.

Bickham Script

2009-08-20T21:28:00.000-07:00