Medieval calligraphy and illumination

Art Completed Projects
1

I’m active in a medieval reenactment group and we have an event coming up soon. The scroll that was to be given to one of our members went astray, so I volunteered to make a replacement. I used the book of kells as inspiration.

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The script in insular majescule, on pergamenata paper, dip pen and ink for the calligraphy-that took a day, with a couple of practice runs

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Then the borders are from the book of kells, with some adjustments and additions to make them fit. They are gouache, with gold and silver paint (another day for this) I finished with a few line fillers and a wasp. When I was planning the borders, I heard scratching, a wasp was crawling on the scroll.

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So I put him out the window and painted him in instead.

Of course with all this incredibly detailed work, you are so close so you can see all the flaws. But overall I’m pretty happy with it.

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Turned out beautiful…and with a nice surprising and unexpected personal touch.! The visit of the wasp was meant to be…you captured it so nicely! Very detailed…all those little lines must have been a bugger to fill in!

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Unbelievable. First, how FAST you are! And also, how incredibly lovely. This is really special.

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So stunning and I don’t see any flaws. Too funny that you included the wasp!

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I had to do those little lines three times! I’m not cut out to be a medieval illuminator

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6

One of my friends is convinced I have ADHD. So the hyper focus would align with that. I spent hours on it yesterday during and after our chat. Went in to just touch it up briefly, on my way to bed. Moll came in to tell me I had been there for an hour and a half, when she was on her way to bed, I probably spent another hour after that.

But that flow state is great, when you lose track of time and and you are really in the moment.

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I love that flow high…so if it is a product of being ADHD, then fine with me.

I do have to catch myself a lot though…I swear I moved a chair at least eight times yesterday to make it perfectly align with the corner of the room…my husband finally had to tell me to do something else…it can be good and bad, I guess! In your case, the piece turned out wonderful!!!

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This is so pretty. I love that you put the wasp in it. It adds so much charm. Your lettering and lines look incredible!

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AH-MAZE-ING. What a delightful treat for your reenactment group to have such a skilled creator in their midst! Generous, too. This scroll will be treasured and not go amiss. The wasp addition is just the right amount of cheeky.

And that flow state that can come with creative endeavors is delicious. Not always great for my back, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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10

This is really so beautiful! And it looks amazing! Love that wasp too.

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11

:fireworks: Woohoo! We’re ringing in the New Year with this awesome featured project! Congrats! :fireworks:

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12

Aw thanks sweetie xx

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13

Beautiful!

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14

Gorgeous! My mind is blown every time I see your calligraphy. Just stunning.

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Thank you sweetie xx

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This is absolutely STUNNING!!! illuminated manuscripts and medieval marginalia are absolutely my jam and and did this SO WELL!

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Thank you :kissing_heart:

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That is so impressive.

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19

Extraordinary! Superb! All the superlatives!! I love the wasp too :heart: you are always an inspiration.

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20

This is absolutely stunning. The Book of Kells is a great inspiration and I LIVE that you added the wasp!

This medieval stuff just makes my heart so happy!

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