Renée Alexander
Capitals Constructed: From Roman Form to the Hand
(Class size 20 People)
Roman Capitals are iconic for a reason.
They are famously difficult to execute by hand because of their geometric shapes.
In this two-day workshop, you’ll learn how to loosen them up without losing their authority.
Through focused pencil exercises, Renée guides you away from strict geometry and toward a more hand-friendly approach to constructed capitals.
You’ll explore how small shifts in weight, proportion, and spacing can transform a letter from mechanical to expressive — and how to keep your capitals strong while making them feel alive.
You’ll leave with a freer, more confident way of drawing Roman Capitals that works with your hand, not against it
Renée Alexander
Capitals Constructed: From Roman Form to the Hand
Oct 23 & 24
Capitals Constructed: Composition, Texture & Painted Letterforms
Oct 24 & 25
Capitals Constructed: Composition, Texture & Painted Letterforms
(Class size 20 People)
Learn how to turn constructed capitals into finished, expressive compositions worthy of the wall — not just the sketchbook.
You’ve drawn the letters.
Now it’s time to make them sing.
This two-day workshop focuses on taking constructed capitals beyond individual forms and into complete compositions.
You’ll design a short text in pencil, exploring spacing, rhythm, and visual balance — and discovering how subtle decisions create movement and energy on the page.
From there, you’ll bring your design to life in gouache, experimenting with texture, surface, and painterly expression while maintaining the strength of the letterforms.
The result is a resolved, expressive piece that balances structure with freedom — and looks every bit as intentional as it feels.
Renée Alexander
Capitals Constructed: From Roman Form to the Hand
Oct 23 & 24
Capitals Constructed: Composition, Texture & Painted Letterforms
Oct 24 & 25
Renée Alexander brings decades of calligraphy experience to her teaching, blending classical training with a deep understanding of how letters live in the real world.
With a background that spans international study, university teaching, publication, and high-profile film and television work, Renée offers students both technical depth and a rare sense of context.
Her classes are thoughtful, grounded, and richly informed, helping students strengthen their lettering while understanding where it fits historically, artistically, and professionally.
Best for:
Calligraphers who love strong foundations, students drawn to classical training, and artists who want their work to carry depth, history, and quiet authority.