Draw a Simple Calligraphy Medallion
First. Draw a 3″ (76 mm) diameter circle.
Second. Draw a smaller circle between 1.5″ and 2″ diameter centered inside the larger circle, then mark the center of the circles with a small dot.
Third. Once you have drawn all your guidelines, use your dip pen to draw an almond shape, with the shape starting and ending at the dot in the middle of the circles, while making sure that the top of the almond shape touches the inner circle guideline.
Fourth, To the right of the first almond, draw a second almond with the left side of the almond crossing through the center of the first almond, with the shape starting and ending at the dot in the center of the circles.
Fifth. Continue making almonds that overlap each other as described above. As you draw each almond, rotate the writing surface to make it easier to add the almonds without smudging the ink!
Sixth. Continue drawing almonds until the inner circle is full as shown:
Seventh. To draw the curved lines you can use the same colour, or choose a different colour. First, pick one almond shape and place your pen at the dot in the center of the circle. Then using minimal pressure, pull the pen downwards drawing a line through the almond shape.
Note: Curve the line that you are drawing in such a way that it runs parallel to the right side of the almond. As you get closer to the edge of the outer circle start applying pressure on your nib so the line gets thicker.
Eighth. Continue adding curved lines around the circle in a clockwise motion, until your calligraphy medallion looks like the picture below:
Ninth. The addition of embellishments are optional, although the calligraphy medallion is nice in its present form! But, for added visual appeal, you can add dot embellishments to one side of each curved line.
Tenth. Continue adding the embellishments until every curved line is emphasized with the dots.
Eleventh. Give your ink a few minutes to dry, then carefully erase your guidelines.
There are many ways to modify this medallion. For example, you can use a single color throughout the entire process, this will give a more subdued elegant look. Or Instead of dots, you could add stars, or more flourishes, remember you are only limited by your imagination.