Online calligraphy classes by Barbara Close
Pointed Pen Possibilities is a series of classes by internationally renowned calligrapher Barbara Close. After an introductory class for beginners, Barbara takes you on a journey through her signature contemporary pointed pen style where you’ll learn myriad variations and creative tips and techniques.
Classes start as soon as your payment is processed – and they do not expire!
There are two classes in this series:
Instructor Bio
Barbara Close is an internationally renowned calligrapher, designer and instructor with a passion for creativity and a love of lettering. She encourages her students to create appealing calligraphic art using a wide variety of mixed-media techniques.
Barbara loves the exhilaration of discovery in playful experimentation along with skillful execution: “Finding one’s own path is a true quest of mine – and I love sharing this with others.”
Barbara’s studio is located in La Mirada, California, where she teaches regularly to a loyal group of students. She has taught at several national and international lettering conferences, including IAMPETH and Lettering CA Style.
Class 1: Copperplate Essentials
Learn the elegant formal Copperplate script with Barbara’s easy-to-follow method. Using a pointed, flexible nib, you’ll start by learning the basic strokes that are the building blocks for the entire alphabet. By practicing lowercase and capital letters in groups of related forms, you’ll soon be connecting letters and writing words with confidence. Copperplate calligraphy is perfect for creating graceful invitations, addressing envelopes, name cards, poetry and quotations.
Available now. Price $80.
View sample videos and the course curriculum.
English Subtitles
Class 2: Contemporary Variations
Whether you’re a new or seasoned calligrapher, take your pointed pen script beyond the formal with Barbara’s lively variations. You’ll learn a variety of alternate characters for every letter of the alphabet, explore myriad options for capitals, then combine these variations with traditional forms as you practice words from ornate to funky. Barbara also shares valuable tips and techniques for improving your layout and design in an extensive gallery section (watch preview).
Available now. Price $80.
View sample videos and the course curriculum.
English Subtitles
Special Series Pricing!
Includes BOTH classes from Barbara Close at a special bundle price of $150 – just $75 per class.
The above preview is from Class 2 – Contemporary Variations – from the Gallery section.
The above preview is from Class 2 – Contemporary Variations – Part 3: Writing Words.
Sign up for the Pointed Pen Possibilities List
As a thank you, you’ll receive a free PDF copy of Attitude Is Everything, Barbara Close’s enchanting handmade book. It features her signature contemporary pointed pen calligraphy, illustrating inspirational quotes with lively abstract designs that will get your creative juices flowing.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
For a detailed overview of how our classes work and how to enroll, please see our FAQ page.
When can I register for a class?
Once a class is open for enrollment, you can sign up at any time – there is no deadline and no limit on the number of students.
How do I watch a class I’ve purchased?
Our classes are streamed on our sister site (powered by New Zenler software). When you select the Courses Site tab above, the sister site will open in a new tab.
When you Enroll in a class (using your email address), you will be asked to create a password. After you check out, you can watch the class immediately. The process is automated and does not require human intervention!
We suggest you bookmark the class page on our sister site after purchase. Anytime you want to watch your class, visit that page and (if you are not logged in), Sign In (top right corner) and enter your email and password. You will then see a page called My Courses. If you forget to bookmark your class page, visit the Courses Site and Sign In.
If you have any problems with your log in credentials, please contact us. We can look up the email you used to register, and reset your password if necessary.
How long do I have to watch the class?
Classes purchased through Sandia Workshops have lifetime access. As soon as you register, you will have immediate access to the entire class. You can watch the movies at your own pace as your schedule allows. (Practicing calligraphy should be fun – we don’t believe in deadlines!) Classes purchased through Hasson Studio include 2 years of extended access for individual courses; 3 years for multiple class bundles.
What if I find a class is not for me?
We are producing our classes to a very high standard and believe our classes will be a great value, but if you don’t agree (for whatever reason), we offer a 100% money-back guarantee within 30 days for classes purchased through Sandia Workshops.