Topic: Bible Journaling
You may wonder why I label all of these lettering lessons as 'Bible Journaling' instead of 'Lettering'. It is simple, really. If it weren't for the bible journaling, I wouldn't be teaching lettering. Also, I use the bible for all of the samples. And further, the final part of the lesson is always a page from my bible that I completed with the lettering lesson.
This time the book featured is Ephesians.
EPHESIANS: Day #1 – Versals – Introduction
This lettering style is another that requires a step-by-step process for completion. It is called ‘versals’ and was introduced by Joanne Fink in her book Complete Guide to Bible Journaling. The steps are illustrated in the graphic below:
1) In pencil, write out your word in basic upper-case print with indented wide serifs.
2) Draw on each side of the lines to create concave shapes that meet with the serifs.
3) Use ink to trace the outside lines of your newly created letters. Erase pencil.
4) Use fine pen to doodle on the letters however you wish. Color as desired.
Today, practice writing the word EPHESIANS by following the four steps.
EPHESIANS: Day #2 – Versals – Alphabet
The full alphabet is to be considered an idea guide rather than a pattern this week. Since your own printing in the first step will likely be different than mine, your finished letters will most certainly be different.
When you get to the stage of doodling, try to come up with a variety of ideas. When you are using the letters in a project the doodles can be switched out to fit a theme, replicated throughout to add continuity or just be random.
I added script words underneath my samples to serve as inspiration for the doodles and to make the page more decorative. It is not part of the exercise, though.
EPHESIANS: Day #3 – Versals – Practice Words
This is a demonstration of how your original printing can affect the outcome of your finished piece. On the first three lines I used a very basic print, first in three units then in four units.
On the last three lines I intentionally varied the size of the printing and exaggerated their shapes. Look how much more relaxed this text becomes. I also practiced creating more doodle styles to build up my catalog of choices.
EPHESIANS: Day #4 – Versals – Creative Application
I wanted to explore other ways to use these fun letters, beyond just printing blocks of text. I first laid out lines for the spacing of the shelves and then drew the letters with wider than normal spacing between them. Then I Drew the pots around the letters, varying the heights, and finally, added a variety of plants.
I used four reddish-browns for the pots and colored the letters solid, regardless of their doodle patterns. A variety of greens for the plants brings this scripture into focus.
EPHESIANS: Day #5 – Versals – Bible Page
I really think the versals look better in large format lettering as the doodles are more easily seen. Shrinking down to this size can make them appear cluttered. I try to alleviate that by coloring in solidly instead of focusing on the doodling.
This lettering style works well in a vertical format as you can see. The artist palette is from the weekly Drawing Room tutorial.
So there you have it - another week of lessons and a new style of lettering for you to try.
Ddd
