Learn Ornamental Penmanship from a Living Legend
For generations of calligraphers, Michael Sull's books have been the gold standard for mastering American penmanship. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the world's most respected teachers of Ornamental Penmanship and Pointed Pen Flourishing.
Whether you've admired his work for years or are just beginning your journey, you'll leave with new skills, renewed confidence, and inspiration that will stay with you long after the festival ends.
Register for Flourish Festival »You'll choose your classes, including this one, during registration.
The pinnacle of pointed pen lettering
Graceful. Rhythmic. Timeless.
Ornamental Penmanship is often called the pinnacle of pointed pen lettering. Under Michael's patient guidance, you'll discover that these elegant letterforms are built on sound principles that anyone can learn with thoughtful instruction and practice.
More importantly, you'll learn why each stroke works, giving you the understanding to continue improving long after the class is over.
Pointed Pen Flourishing
Class size: 40 people
Flourishing is not decoration. It's control, rhythm, and confidence made visible.
In this class, you'll learn how to create pointed pen flourishes that feel intentional, balanced, and alive — not stiff, crowded, or accidental.
Michael breaks down the structure behind beautiful flourishing, showing you how curves, spacing, and movement work together to support the letters rather than overpower them. You'll explore how to build flourishes from simple forms, extend and modify strokes, and integrate flourishing naturally into words and compositions.
The focus is on clarity, flow, and elegance, so your flourishes enhance your work instead of competing with it.
Ornamental Penmanship
Class size: 20 people
Create the elegant capitals, flourishing, and decorative compositions that define great American penmanship — without guessing, copying, or overworking your lines.
We'll break down what "ornamental" really means, how to design with letterforms, and how to use shading, line work, and colour to create depth, balance, and visual impact.
Drawing on nearly fifty years of professional experience, this course turns complex techniques into clear, achievable steps. Expect demonstrations, guided practice, and mini projects designed to help you actually use what you learn.
Yes, you can do this. If you're ready to move beyond writing letters and start creating work that commands attention, this class delivers.
You'll Leave With
- Greater confidence with the pointed pen.
- A deeper understanding of rhythm, movement, and letter construction.
- Practical exercises you can continue at home.
- Personal guidance from one of the world's foremost penmanship instructors.
- Inspiration that will influence your work for years to come.
Michael Sull
There are very few opportunities left to study in person with a teacher whose influence has shaped generations of calligraphers.
Michael combines extraordinary technical mastery with a warm, encouraging teaching style that makes even the most sophisticated lettering approachable. His classes are known for generous demonstrations, individual attention, and countless "aha!" moments that help students make real progress.
Michael Sull is an IAMPETH Master Penman and one of the world's most respected authorities on American penmanship, especially known for his mastery of Spencerian and American Cursive, and for making historic writing systems feel relevant, readable, and achievable today.
After his presidency, Ronald Reagan selected Michael as his calligrapher — a testament to the precision, elegance, and trust his work inspires. Widely regarded as one of America's foremost living penmen, Michael is the author of Spencerian Script and Ornamental Penmanship, Learning to Write Spencerian Script, and American Cursive Handwriting. He also produces respected instructional materials and period-style oblique dip pens for penmen who value tradition, craftsmanship, and writing well.
A living legend, teaching in person.
Join Michael Sull for Pointed Pen Flourishing, Ornamental Penmanship, or both — seats are limited to 40 and 20 respectively.
Register for Flourish Festival »You'll choose your classes, including this one, during registration.