An illuminated manuscript is a manuscript in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders (marginalia) and miniature illustrations
Where? Europe, Persia, Islamic, Chinese, Japanese, Indian
Where? Europe, Persia, Islamic, Chinese, Japanese, Indian
- What elements do you find in both books?
- What elements do you find that are unique to the manuscript?
- Are there any elements that are unique to the modern printed text?
- What do Illuminated Manuscripts tell us about human beings and the idea of communication?
- How can imagery enhance the communicative value of a text?
- What should we take into consideration when designing imagery for a text?
Examine the colors used in the illumination of this page. • What colors do you see used in this manuscript? • Why do you think the range of colors used is mostly limited to red, blue, and black? • Where do you think the artist would get the colors used to paint illuminations? (The illuminator applied paints that were made from a wide variety of coloring agents: ground minerals, organic dyes extracted from plants, and chemically produced colorants.) |
Historiated Initial - An oversized initial letter containing an identifiable narrative scene or figures, sometimes relating to the text. Historiated initials first appeared in manuscripts of the early 800s and remained popular throughout the Middle Ages.
Decorated Initial - A painted initial letter composed of plant forms or geometric designs but without animal or human figures.
Decorated Initial - A painted initial letter composed of plant forms or geometric designs but without animal or human figures.
The Project
- You will create your own Illuminated Manuscript using the watercolor pencils.
- Your inspiration can come from many areas. It can be your initial(s), song lyrics, a quote, a poem, excerpt from literature, etc.
- You will have a sheet of watercolor paper and it must be filled.
- You can embellish with images, patterns, designs etc. Those embellishments should be inspired by the text you choose to use.
- In addition to the watercolor pencils, you can incorporate sharpie, metallic markers, and metallic watercolor paint to Illuminate your artwork.
- You may look on your computer or the internet (dafont.com) for different fonts to use. Different fonts have convey different meanings, so choose wisely.
- You will choose your colors and color schemes based on their meanings. Each color has a different meaning. Refer to the chart above to help decide which color to use and why.
- You must first complete a sketch of your ideas before you begin working on the watercolor paper
DUE FRI, FEB 14