Calligraphy as Visual Poetry
A course by Carol Fountain NixCalligrapher
A course by Carol Fountain Nix, Calligrapher
Learn the secrets of selecting and deconstructing texts and create calligraphic pieces of art.
Carol Fountain Nix, calligrapher, artist, and educator, will guide you through her process of combining lettering with other painting techniques, resulting in a unique "urban aesthetic" style. She draws inspiration from nature, patterns, and contrasts, infusing her art with meaning through the combination of words and visuals.
In this online course, you'll learn to deconstruct texts, sketch dynamic layouts, and explore color, tone, size, and treatment to create visually intense pieces. Carol will share different processes for combining calligraphy with other techniques, allowing you to add layers of depth to your artwork.
By the end, you'll have the skills to transform simple letter shapes into poetry for the eyes, ready to showcase your inspiring visual experiences to the world.
What will you learn in this online course?
12 lessons & 18 downloads
Letter Personalities and Calligraphic Styles
8 minutes, 4 seconds
Content Hierarchy
5 minutes, 41 seconds
Selecting and Deconstructing Your Text
5 minutes, 21 seconds
Sketching to Create Mindful Compositions
8 minutes, 11 seconds
Putting It All Together: Words, Texts, and Media 1
15 minutes, 49 seconds
Putting It All Together: Words, Texts, and Media 2
14 minutes, 31 seconds
What's included in this course?
To start, Carol will introduce you to relevant materials, tools, and calligraphic styles, allowing you to explore the personality of different letterforms. You'll learn how to build a content hierarchy and manage letters effectively to convey your intended message. Afterwards, you'll dive into the process of deconstructing texts, sketching dynamic layouts, and experimenting with color, tone, size, and treatment. Carol will show you how to bring together these elements to create visually captivating artworks with varying levels of intensity.
Next, you'll explore different techniques for combining calligraphy with other mediums, such as layering and color washes. Carol will guide you through the process of infusing your artwork with texture and meaning, resulting in unique and expressive pieces.
Finally, you'll take your skills to the next level by creating envelopes with your own drawings and defining your personal artistic touch. Throughout the course, Carol will provide valuable insights and techniques, empowering you to create stunning calligraphic artworks that leave a lasting impact.
What is this course's project?
Create a captivating piece of art by combining calligraphy with various techniques, such as layering and color washes. This project will allow you to apply everything you've learned throughout the course and express your unique artistic voice.
Using your preferred text, you'll explore the process of selecting and deconstructing texts to create an abstract piece infused with meaning. With Carol's guidance, you'll bring together calligraphy, abstract marks, and treatments to enhance your artwork and create a visually powerful message.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
For anyone who loves word play, enjoys working with different media, and seeks to create uniquely finished art pieces. Whether you're an advanced calligrapher looking to expand your creative horizons or a beginner with a passion for art and words, this course offers something for everyone.
Requirements and materials
No prior calligraphy experience is necessary. Carol will guide you through various lettering styles and treatments, allowing you to incorporate them into your own work.
You will also need calligraphy pens (such as pointed nibs, broad-edge nibs, or brush pens), ink or paint (both black and colored), watercolor brushes and palette, watercolor paper or mixed media paper, sketchbook, pencils, erasers, and rulers.
Reviews
- suse_richter_hbPLUS5 months ago
I learned a lot and gained so much Inspiration. Thank you!!!
- 6 months ago
I really enjoyed this course!!!!!
- 7 months ago
I love this course.
- 8 months ago
Very inspiring course!
- 8 months ago
belle poésie, j'ai surtout aimé la partie sur les fonds. Son processus est intéressant
As an artist, Carol draws inspiration from the natural world, patterns, contrasts, and the power of words. Her artworks often convey meaningful messages through the combination of lettering and visuals, creating visually intense and emotionally resonant pieces.
With her wealth of experience, Carol has become a respected figure in the calligraphy community, and her work has been exhibited in galleries and featured in various publications. She continues to inspire and mentor aspiring calligraphers around the world, fostering a vibrant and diverse artistic community.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Materials and Working with Text and Context
- Overview of Materials and Processes
- Letter Personalities and Calligraphic Styles
- Content Hierarchy
- U3
Create Your Visual Poetry Project
- Selecting and Deconstructing Your Text
- Sketching to Create Mindful Compositions
- Putting It All Together: Words, Texts, and Media 1
- Putting It All Together: Words, Texts, and Media 2
- Putting It All Together: Words, Texts, and Media 3
- U4
Taking Your Work to New Heights
- Creating Art Envelopes
- Creating a Personal Brand
- FP
Final project
- Calligraphy as Visual Poetry
What to expect from a Domestika course
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FAQs
You’ll learn to combine traditional calligraphy with contemporary mixed-media techniques, create expressive visual poetry, experiment with dynamic layouts, select impactful color palettes, and apply collage, watercolor, and ink methods to produce unique narrative-driven artworks.
Yes, this course is designed for those with some experience in calligraphy or visual art who want to expand their skills into mixed media, visual poetry, and advanced layout and design techniques.
You’ll need calligraphy pens (Pilot Parallel, pointed, brush pens), acrylic inks, watercolors, collage supplies, sketching tools, tracing paper, and materials for mixed media like credit cards and hairdryers. A list of recommended brands and alternatives is provided in the course.
A basic familiarity with calligraphy is helpful, but the course will guide you through these styles and show how to integrate them with modern techniques for expressive and abstract results.
You’ll learn to select and analyze text, create guidelines and layout sketches, emphasize key words, and use color, style, and layering techniques to turn poems or phrases into visually compelling artworks.
Yes, the course covers nature-inspired palettes, color blending, and strategies for choosing colors that set the right mood and enhance your calligraphic compositions.
Absolutely. You’ll learn to repurpose your calligraphy and mixed-media art for print media, create unique envelopes, and design cohesive series that unify narrative, style, and palette.