Elevate Your Calligraphy with Gold, Light, and Timeless Design
Some techniques never fail to capture attention.
The brilliance of gold. The elegance of a beautifully designed monogram. The dramatic contrast of luminous ink on dark paper.
For more than 45 years, Barry Morentz has been creating exquisite calligraphy for private collectors and internationally recognized luxury brands. His thoughtful teaching style makes these sophisticated techniques approachable, giving students the confidence to create work with elegance, refinement, and lasting impact.
Register for Flourish Festival »You'll choose your classes, including this one, during registration.
The Art of the Monogram
Design Personal Monograms with Style and Confidence
Class size: 20 people
A great monogram is far more than intertwined initials. It's a work of design.
In this workshop, Barry will guide you through the principles of creating elegant, balanced monograms that feel timeless rather than trendy. You'll learn how letters interact, how to achieve harmony and balance, and how thoughtful design transforms simple initials into lasting works of art.
Whether you're designing wedding pieces, bookplates, stationery, or personal artwork, these are skills you'll return to again and again.
You'll Leave With- A clear process for designing elegant monograms.
- Greater confidence combining letterforms.
- Practical design principles that apply to many lettering projects.
- Beautiful finished designs ready to develop further.
Luminous Letters
Create Stunning Contrast That Captures Attention
Class size: 20 people
Dark paper changes everything. Suddenly every stroke glows, every flourish becomes dramatic, and every composition takes on an entirely new character.
Barry will show you how to choose materials, handle opaque inks, and adapt your lettering techniques to achieve crisp, luminous writing on dark surfaces. It's a surprisingly versatile skill that opens exciting new possibilities for cards, artwork, certificates, and special commissions.
You'll Leave With- Techniques for writing confidently on dark papers.
- Greater understanding of opaque inks and materials.
- Beautiful high-contrast effects that make your work stand out.
- New ideas for creating memorable finished pieces.
Gold
Add the Timeless Beauty of Gold to Your Work
Class size: 20 people
For centuries, gold has transformed beautiful calligraphy into extraordinary art.
In this workshop, Barry shares techniques for incorporating gold into your work with confidence. You'll discover how this luminous material adds depth, richness, and elegance while learning practical methods you can continue using long after the festival.
Whether your goal is creating illuminated pieces, commissions, or simply adding a touch of brilliance to your favourite projects, you'll leave inspired by one of calligraphy's most treasured traditions.
You'll Leave With- Confidence working with gold accents.
- Practical techniques for achieving beautiful results.
- A deeper appreciation for the traditions of illumination.
- New ways to elevate your finished artwork.
Barry Morentz
Barry Morentz has spent more than four decades creating exceptional calligraphy for discerning clients, including luxury brands such as Cartier, Rolex, and Estée Lauder. His work reflects a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, while his teaching is warm, practical, and encouraging.
Working from his Manhattan studio, Barry creates calligraphic works, hand-made books, and lettered objects for institutions including The New York Public Library, The Museum of Modern Art, and Columbia University. With a background in medieval history and decades of study under masters such as Sheila Waters and Gottfried Pott, his work is rooted in scholarship and alive with curiosity.
Students appreciate his ability to simplify advanced techniques and make them accessible, whether they're exploring gilding for the first time or refining skills they've admired for years.
Let it shine.
Join Barry Morentz for The Art of the Monogram, Luminous Letters, Gold, or all three — class size is limited to 20 per session.
Register for Flourish Festival »You'll choose your classes, including this one, during registration.