Greg Minuskin

So, you are thinking of a Namiki Falcon pen, and wondering what “other” things you can do with it? Well, how about a line drawing? Pictured below is a view through a hotel room in Seattle, and my wife Janet using one of her custom Namiki Falcon pens that is reground to an extra fine, Needlepoint, with flex. She proceeded to sketch the harbor with her Namiki Falcon using jet black Montblanc ink. Later she used a water brush to shade certain areas and then filled it in with color

While I can make a great Namiki Falcon pen to your exacting needs, it is up to you to create the artwork
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Here is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the Sierra’s this summer and learn journaling under Janet Takahashi. This limited enrollment class is now being offered in the beautiful Mount Shasta area. In the picture perfect town of McCloud, you will enjoy the fresh mountain air (and water!) while learning from Janet journaling with art. Held at the Brown Dog Gallery (www.browndoggallery.com) just click on the left of the Gallery’s webpage that says “Art Classes” and you can then follow from there on signing up. As of 3/19/10 the class is 1/3 full!
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http://www.browndoggallery.com/classes.php

Janet Takahashi, June 24-26
Website: www.janettakahashi.com
Date(s): 6/24/2010 – 6/26/2010
Cost: $230
Materials List: Click here to download
Janet Takahashi is a free-lance artist with a love of letters, specializing in calligraphy, illustration, bookbinding, sign painting and gilding. With a deep appreciation for nature and science, she paints in the field, working en plein air capturing the scenery before her. Nature s showcase is a teacher that is both inspiring and spiritual. Janet is an avid journal keeper, filling several books at the same time and a professional illustrator for books and magazines. Journaling is her specialty and as a result, Sterling Publishing approached Janet to write a book on the subject, ARTFUL JOURNALS .

Come to the beautiful mountains, enjoy the quiet and smell the fresh air of summer. Spend time observing and recording the natural elements around you. You will work with simple supplies for painting and drawing on the spot. Open to all levels. Guided exercises and demonstrations will be taught in a supportive, interactive open manner in the most amazing setting that will provide endless sketching opportunities, both indoors and out.

My, what an evening to remember; a wonderful early spring dinner on the patio belonging to Marilyn Scott-Waters and family. We had a fantastic time. Not only did we enjoy a rare dish consisting of a half lemon baked appetizer filled with home grown tomatoes and smothered with cheese, but homemade lasagna and fresh garden greens which then was followed by a hand-made, garden derived lemon/mint leaf smoothie that was to die for!

Janet was entranced by both Marilyn’s artwork world knowledge, and I was engrossed with Marilyn’s technology knowledgeable husband Ron, and also their son Joel; a master of Legos! His creations sure pale to what I did at that age as my Lego pieces were rather rudimentary compared to what they make today. I explained my business with pens, nibs, and also gave our endearing hosts a short recounting of my days living in Switzerland while attending watchmaking school.

We inaugurated the Scott-Water’s new Patio canopy and outdoor table/comfy chairs. As the flicking table candles cast an ever increasing glow upon our dinner feast, we were quite engrossed in all sorts of conversation. Later on in the evening we went indoors and I was shown how to set up an effective projection system by Ron so that Janet can for the future demonstrate her masterful calligraphy skills to future classes/workshops she teaches.

With full tummies and happy hearts we left in the late evening and look forward to another get together with the amazing Scott-Water’s family.

Please visit both Janet’s and Marilyn’s site to see what fun stuff they will be up to in the next few month. I am sure you will find something fun!

www.janettakahashi.com (Janet’s site)

www.thetoymaker.com (Marilyn’s site)

[caption id="attachment_1217" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Janet and Marilyn, dynamic duo!"][/caption][caption id="attachment_1219" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Looking at Janet\'s journals"][/caption]

This year Janet was again available to sign her book, “Artful Journals”  which have sold over 9,000 copies world wide since its release in November 2007.

She was also on hand to sign her limited edition prints which have been fully matted and include a certificate of authenticity. Janet’s prints, which can be seen in closer detail at her site www.janettakahashi.com were a big success this year. As you can see in the photos below, many folks wanted their books signed and personalized.

Great going Janet! 

 

It is with great pleasure that I announce the introduction of Janet Takahashi. Janet is an expert illustrator, calligrapher, bookbinder, signer painter, and gilder. Her background in botany and zoology is appraent in the detail art and illustrations she creates, including her recent book “Artful Journals” (available at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Artful-Journals-Making-Embellishing-Diaries/dp/1600590691) which has sold out in its first printing in just 2-1/2 months!

Janet just came out with a new, limited edition print called “River Trout” Printed on Arches paper, acid free Ink “Fed” into paper, not just laid on top. Machine is an Iris 3047, 600 lb. Not many machines around. Printer prints the best color gamut Other machines must use synthetic papers that are coated, not true color reproduction We welcome you to enjoy this print, and the other prints that Janet has for sale, as part of your collection to enjoy and cherish for years to come.

 

Janet also has other prints available; please go to her website: www.janettakahashi.com. I will be assisting Janet in the sales of these other limited edition prints as well. 

Janet has specialized in rare antique signs restoration for celebrities, upscale shopping centers, and major banking institutions. Currently Janet teaches calligraphy and art at Santa Monica College/Emeritus College and continues to do private commissions and calligraphy for Crane & Co., Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as workshops on journaling with art in Cambria, California, The Rand Corporation, The San Diego Society for Calligraphy, and at the Paige Museum/LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art.)

I welcome her to my website for she brings with her her vast experience with ultra flex nibs, creating some amazing Spencerian writing with my custom extra fine “needlepoint” flex nibs.  Janet will be available to test nibs on a daily basis, making sure that they perform to expectations.