Inkwell Angler
A close-up of a student's hands deftly guiding a dip pen across paper, creating elegant calligraphic strokes, surrounded by examples of beautifully finished script in an inspiring studio setting.
Transform your passion into elegant artistry.

Master the Art of Beautiful Writing in Halifax

At Inkwell Angler, we believe in the meditative power and timeless beauty of calligraphy. Our workshops, held in our inspiring Halifax studio, are designed to transform your handwriting into elegant art. Join a vibrant community of learners and discover the joy of creating stunning letterforms under the guidance of master calligraphers.

From your very first stroke, experience personalized attention in small classes. Develop fundamental techniques, explore intricate styles, and complete pieces you'll be proud to showcase. All essential materials are provided, so you can focus purely on the craft.

View Upcoming Workshops

Watch our workshop graduates share their Inkwell Angler journey.

Find Your Perfect Learning Path

Whether you're picking up a pen for the first time or looking to refine your expertise, Inkwell Angler offers structured calligraphy pathways designed for every skill level. Discover the journey that's right for you.

A single broad-edged dip pen poised above paper, ready to make a fundamental calligraphic stroke, with emphasis on clean lines.

Beginner Basics

Start your calligraphic journey. Learn fundamental strokes, letter formation, and proper pen handling. No experience necessary!

Explore Beginner Classes
A beautifully consistent piece of calligraphy text, demonstrating controlled spacing and elegant letter connections, possibly an excerpt from a poem.

Intermediate Refinement

Hone your existing skills. Focus on consistency, developing personal style, and mastering advanced letter connections and variations.

Discover Intermediate
An intricate calligraphic piece featuring flourishing and decorative elements, possibly incorporating metallic inks or delicate illustrations, showcasing advanced composition.

Advanced Mastery

Explore complex scripts, intricate flourishing, and professional-level composition. Ideal for those seeking artistic depth.

Advance Your Craft
A piece of calligraphy with maritime-themed embellishments like a subtle sketch of a lighthouse or a flowing wave, in elegant script on textured paper.

Specialty & Private Study

Dive into unique styles, fishing motifs, or arrange personalized one-on-one sessions for accelerated progress.

Inquire About Specialties

Comprehensive Learning Experience

Our workshops are meticulously designed to provide a rich, hands-on learning environment. Each session builds upon the last, ensuring a thorough understanding and practical application of calligraphic principles.

Learning Objectives: Understand various pen types (dip, fountain, brush), ink properties, and paper selection. Master basic strokes and pressure control. Hands-on practice with foundational letterforms.

Provided: Quality dip pen holder, two nibs (broad-edged and pointed), small inkwell with black sumi ink, practice paper pad, detailed workbook.

Recommended: Ruler, pencil, eraser.

Learning Objectives: Focus on forming consistent, elegant lowercase letters (minuscules). Understand letter spacing (kerning) and word spacing. Guided exercises to improve rhythm and flow.

Practice: Weekly assignments to reinforce new letterforms and short word compositions. Peer feedback encouraged.

Learning Objectives: Introduce various capital letter styles (majuscules) and their integration with minuscules. Learn about ligatures and decorative flourishes. Begin exploring basic layout principles.

A detailed image showing a calligrapher's workbook with stroke breakdowns and example capital and lowercase letter combinations. The page is clean and instructive.
Sample lesson from our comprehensive workbooks.

Learning Objectives: Apply learned skills to a small personal project (e.g., a personalized card, a short quote). Understand different ink colors and papers. Discuss avenues for continued practice and advanced study.

Assessment: Instructor offers personalized feedback on your completed project, identifying strengths and areas for further development.

Learn from Master Calligraphers

Our certified instructors are not just master calligraphers; they are passionate educators dedicated to fostering creativity and skill in every student.

A warm, smiling portrait of Anastasia Petrov, a calligrapher with an elegant, inviting demeanor, holding a beautifully designed quill pen.

Anastasia Petrov

Lead Instructor, Traditional & Modern Scripts

With over 15 years of professional experience, Anastasia's artistry blends classical techniques with a fresh, contemporary approach. Her warm pedagogical style encourages experimentation while grounding students in robust fundamentals. Her specialty lies in developing nuanced script variations and intricate flourishing, often inspired by natural maritime patterns.

A close-up of Anastasia Petrov's hands demonstrating a delicate calligraphic stroke, highlighting her elegant technique.
Anastasia demonstrating a fine point pen technique.
A thoughtful portrait of Gareth Davies, a calligrapher with a focused expression, surrounded by a subtle backdrop reflecting traditional elements and perhaps a hint of fishing motifs.

Gareth Davies

Instructor, Illumination & Thematic Calligraphy

Gareth brings a unique blend of traditional Celtic artistry and his deep appreciation for Nova Scotia's fishing heritage to his teaching. A master of illustrative styles and thematic compositions, Gareth guides students in integrating imagery and calligraphy to tell compelling visual stories, perfect for personalized gifts and unique art pieces.

A detailed view of a calligraphic piece by Gareth Davies, featuring an elegant passage accompanied by a subtle, intricate drawing of a fishing lure or a sailing ship element.
Gareth's signature blend of script and maritime illustration.

Upcoming Workshops & Easy Registration

Ready to embark on your calligraphic journey? Our interactive calendar displays all available workshops. Select your preferred class, check availability, and secure your spot with our simple, secure registration process.

Workshop Calendar

Date Workshop Time Status Action
Oct 14, 2024 Beginner Script: Copperplate Foundations 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Available (4 spots) Register
Oct 28, 2024 Modern Calligraphy: Brush Lettering Basics 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Limited (2 spots) Register
Nov 11, 2024 Intermediate Italic: Flourishing & Layout 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Sold Out
Nov 25, 2024 Bespoke Maritime Art Calligraphy 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Available (6 spots) Register

Pricing for workshops ranges from $120 to $250, depending on duration and materials included. Group discounts available upon request by contacting us.

Celebrating Student Achievements

Witness the remarkable progress of our students and be inspired by the beautiful artwork they create. From initial strokes to stunning finished pieces, Inkwell Angler nurtures artistic growth.

A divided image showing a 'before' section with shaky, inconsistent calligraphy on the left and an 'after' section on the right with smooth, confident, and beautifully formed letters by the same student.
From tentative beginnings to confident mastery: Sarah's transformation.
A framed piece of calligraphy art featuring an inspirational quote in elegant script, created by a student, displayed proudly in a home setting.
"Joining Inkwell Angler was the best decision for my creative spirit." – Emily R.
A portfolio of advanced student calligraphic work, featuring various scripts, colors, and possibly mixed media elements, demonstrating diverse artistic expressions.
Showcasing diverse styles from our advanced students.
Want to share your work?

Our alumni network provides ongoing support and opportunities for public showcases.

Connect with Alumni

Everything You Need to Know

Have questions about our workshops? We've compiled answers to the most common inquiries to ensure a smooth and enjoyable learning experience for everyone.

Your first session introduces you to the tools of calligraphy. We start with basic hand warm-up exercises, proper posture, and how to hold your pen. You'll make your first fundamental strokes and begin forming simple letters. It's a relaxed, supportive environment focused on comfort and initial success.
For all beginner workshops, a comprehensive kit including a pen holder, several nibs, ink, and practice paper is provided, and yours to keep! For intermediate and advanced classes, a list of recommended materials will be sent beforehand, though basic supplies are always available for use in the studio.
Cancellations made 7 days prior to the workshop start date receive a full refund. Cancellations within 3-6 days receive studio credit. Unfortunately, no refunds or credits for cancellations less than 72 hours before. We do offer the flexibility to transfer your registration to another available workshop once, within a 6-month period, provided you notify us at least 48 hours in advance.
Our welcoming studio is located at 189 Water's Edge Drive, Suite 200, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 0C8. We have ample free parking available on-site. The studio is also easily accessible by public transit, with several bus routes stopping nearby.

Didn't find your answer? Our team is happy to help!

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