Analysis of Ovals and Angles

ANALYSIS OF OVALS & ANGLES
"Fine penmanship and calligraphy is not a matter of "nuts & bolts" such as in this technical analysis. It's a matter of tasteful sensibilities, art, and finesse. However, this graphic reveals fundamental principles & structures that provide optical harmony within the art. Also, this analysis is a testament to what Master penmen were able to produce freely as a natural extension of their innate talent & insight.

• All the ovals in this diagram are of exactly the same shape & proportion.
• The exemplar in this graphic is that of Thomas Tomkins The slope is 37° from vertical, or 53° from horizontal, the most common slope angle used by Tomkins.
• Character height to width proportions are 4:5.
• Axis of the body-oval is rotated clockwise relative to the stem approximately 10°.
• The ratio of the upper & lower ovals comprising the body is 7:10, i.e. the upper oval is 70% of the lower.
• The body-oval shade is approximately 260% larger than the lower oval and rotated 4° counter-clockwise from a pivot point just below the waist-line."
~ 2018, Don Marsh~