Online Classes – letteringdesign

Online Calligraphy Courses

Classes will be held live on Zoom

I started teaching back in 2002 at the West Hartford Art League. I have focused on lettering styles and activities which build a strong understanding of the basic principles of calligraphy. In each of these classes, I’ve broken down the learning process into manageable steps and provided projects to reinforce the skills and importantly, to have fun with letters.

My classes are designed to be like in-person classes as much as possible. They are small, with less than 20 students. Conversation during class is welcome so we can all learn from each other. You won’t get lost in a huge sea of faces. I hope you’ll join us!

“Debby is an amazing instructor. I love her classes! She is patient, extremely knowledgeable and humble. She works really hard to make sure that her students are confident in whatever creative endeavor they take on. I highly recommend her classes.” JW

“I just completed Debby’s Intro to Calligraphy class and loved every minute of it and the assignments in between classes. Debby is an inspired teacher who graciously shares what she has learned over years of practice. The class introduced me to so much more than was in the description and I have several small finished projects as a result!” review from Etsy

Modern Calligraphy

6 Mondays
Sept 11, 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16; 2023
7:00 to 9:00 pm EST

Come learn the popular and playful Modern Calligraphy! We will go through a series of exercises to develop the skills necessary for using a pointed brush when writing letters. We will cover lower case, capitals, dancing letters, decorative techniques and each week includes a project that uses this playful style. Details

Intro to Calligraphy: Uncial

6 Wednesdays
Oct 18, 25; Nov 1, 8, 15, 29; 2023
7:00 to 9:00 pm EST

This course will introduce the fundamentals of writing with a broad edge calligraphy pen. Uncial calligraphy is from Ireland and found in many historical manuscripts. This beautiful, circular lettering is an excellent opportunity to develop basic lettering skills and gain control over the broad edge pen. Details

Intro to Illumination

6 Mondays
Oct 30; Nov 6, 13, 20; Dec 4, 11; 2023
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST

This is a nuts-and-bolts class on illumination. If you’ve always admired illuminated pages and never thought you could create one, this class is for you. We will focus on the tools of the trade, building understanding and proficiency, moving through a series of exercises gaining in complexity over the six classes. Students are taught the ‘how’ so they can apply these skills to whatever style of illumination they want to create. Details

Building Illumination Skills: African inspirations

6 Tuesdays
Jan 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 20; 2024
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST

I will be leading an intermediate class on Illumination. We will be learning about manuscripts from Africa and practicing our illumination skills. Students will need to have taken the Intro to Illumination or a similar course.

Details and registration will be available October 30th

Join our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming classes! Past classes have included:
Layout and Design: Real World Projects
Making Friends with Gouache
Beginning/Intermediate Calligraphy Courses in Uncial, Foundational, Blackletter
Italic Calligraphy
Lettering on a circle, spiral or curve
Illumination: Beginners and Continuing
Modern Calligraphy
Classes for youth
And new ones are always in development!

Comments by Debby’s Students

“Honestly I was a little surprised at how much I was able to learn by just two hours…the class could’ve been 8 hours and I wouldn’t have minded.” Online student, 13 yo

“Super informative & fun experience–even for someone with little “artist”/creative background. So well-organized, well-spaced out, great practical tips!” -DK

“Debby is extremely knowledgeable and patient. She is quick to provide positive feedback. She has a keen eye for figuring out the best way to correct lettering to follow the style being taught.” -AM

“Very good instructor!” -RQ

“Debby, you are a delight to know. Your patience, your energy, your knowledge and experience are amazing. I learned a lot.” -IK

“The course was great! Well-constructed and executed. For such a short time, knowledge of lettering was improved and a great start to this practice. You’re a great teacher and artist. I look forward to the next class and practicing my new hobby!” -MS

“Your enthusiasm is infectious!” -GM

“You are a fine teacher, Debby and have a lovely gift in both your art and your ability to teach, and your kind, generous spirit makes the sessions an extraordinary experience. See you again soon!” -KD

“Thank you – it was a great introduction class – I am very excited about learning more.” -ME

“Thank you so much. You have truly opened my eyes to the artistic aspects of calligraphy. I really appreciate your teaching style.” -JM

“Debby is a well-organized, practiced teacher of calligraphy. She gives clear instructions and helpful tips throughout the course and demonstrates practical and creative uses for her art. She’s enthusiastic but also learned in her craft.” -PS

What did you like most about the course?