Copperplate Calligraphy Lowercase Basic Stroke – Oval Stroke

Hi guys, welcome back to another lowercase basic stroke series – this time we are gonna have a look at the oval stroke.

[Hold on…] Have you downloaded your guide sheets? If not, here’s the link to it.

About the Oval stroke.

1. The oval stroke is one of the important strokes in the alphabets as many alphabets consist of the oval.

2. The oval is made from a single counterclockwise stroke.

3. Starting from the header line, start with no pressure with a counterclockwise direction. Draw a slight curve and putting gradual pressure only when you’re almost 1/4th of the way towards the baseline and lifting the pressure once it reaches the baseline. Lastly, a hairline curving upwards to the starting point to complete the oval.

4. As you are moving in a counterclockwise direction, the thickest shade will be on the left.

Things to take note when practising

1. The oval should be following a 55degree angle. You can check the angle of the oval by drawing a line on the shade of the oval and comparing it to your slant line.

2. If you bisect your oval into half, both sides of the ovals should be equal distance. Doing this will help you to see if your ovals are consistent.

As always, take your time for each practice. Try making a whole line of the ovals and comparing each one to see if you are producing a consistent stroke. Try turning your paper upside down to have a different perspective and comparing it in that way!

Happy Writing,