Most Calligraphic hands did not originally have numerals associated with them.
This is because they were developed at a time when the Roman numbering system was used. The Roman numbering system uses letters instead of numerals.
The following numerals have been developed in latter years to meet the needs of modern Calligraphers and can be used with a variety of hands.
The numeral '0' is formed from a single circle in the same manner as the letters 'o' and 'O'.
30 degree pen angle.
The numeral '1' is formed mainly from a single vertical straight line as shown.
30 degree pen angle.
The numeral '2' is formed from part of an ellipse, an horizontal and a diagonal straight line.
30 degree pen angle.
The numeral '3' is formed from an ellipse, an horizontal and a diagonal straight line.
30 degree pen angle.
An ellipse...an
horizontal and a diagonal straight line...
combine....remove
overlaps
The numeral '4' consists of a vertical, an horizontal and a diagonal straight line.
30 degree pen angle.
The numeral '5' is similar to the '3' except it has a vertical line instead of the diagonal, compare to the '3'.
30 degree pen angle.
The numeral '6' consists of parts of two ellipses, as shown.
30 degree pen angle.
Combine....and
cleanup
The numeral '7' consists of an horizontal and a diagonal straight line.
The additional short horizontal straight line is optional.
30 degree pen angle.
Note the strokes start and end with short, thin serifs.
The numeral '8' is formed of two ellipses as shown.
30 degree pen angle.
The numeral '9' is similar to the '6', consisting of parts of two ellipses.
30 degree pen angle.
Combine....and
cleanup
USA |
Canada |
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In this lesson you were introduced to serifs. These are small strokes at the start and end of the main strokes. They are used to enhance the letters and add weight to a stroke. An additional use of serifs is to allow for the even flow of ink at the start and end of a stroke.Drawing a small stroke along the line of the pen helps to get the ink flow started. This is particularly the case with steel pens. It helps to produce a sharp rather than a ragged start and end to a letter stroke.
