Practical Calligraphy

by George Thomson

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Practical Calligraphy through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Practical Calligraphy is the perfect art book for beginners looking to get their feet wet with calligraphy. This book is short and concise, being less than fifty pages in total. That means there isn’t a lot of time wasted rambling, and instead the focus is entirely on teaching the reader the basics of calligraphy. If you’re looking for a guidebook that it intensely focused such as this, then this is perfect for you.
The guide focuses on the basics, which includes the tools used, such as the instruments, papers, and so on. Also included in the basics are basic concepts like line and shape, but also the rhythm and patterns. That’s something that I never would have thought to ask about, so this was a lovely touch. From the basics we’re moved on to more detailed elements of calligraphy; the best way to hold the brush, proportions of letters, flourishing, and many other details.
Also included are nine projects. Accompanying these projects are exceptionally thorough step-by-step guides. This is perfect for both beginners and those struggling with the minutiae of calligraphy. The projects themselves start from a very basic point, but steadily get more complex. They should give the reader a solid understanding of how to proceed on their own as well, which is perfect.
Finally the book leaves off with some final references, as well as an idea of what to do next with calligraphy. On the whole this book was very well thought out, and shockingly detailed despite the concise nature of it. I’m incredibly impressed and pleased.

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