Cyanotypes

This is a 1-day course for people who want to learn how to make a Cyanotype print from plants or 3D objects.

Cyanotype is a victorian photographic printing process exemplified by the works of Anna Atkins from 1842. The familiar blue print became synonymous with use to reproduce plans hence the term ‘Blueprints” there are ways to create subtleties using diffferent methods in this simple and direct process. For this workshop you will learn a little history whilst making prints from sourced botanicals or supplied transparencies. This contact method has a range of applications and can be produced on a multitude of surfaces, you wil learn how to mix your own chemicals, coat paper, make exposures either using a UV unit or outside if the weather is favourable,

If you have some interesting plants/leaves or 3D objects that you wish to experiment with please bring those along with you.

Some of the prints can be toned using botanicals, you will be shown how to use tea/coffee and garden plants to tone the images rather than just remaning cyanotype blue.The versatility of the process allows for a range of surfaces to be used both cloth and paper will be used.

Skill level

Beginner to intermediate

Suitable for beginners and those with an awareness of the process as we will have a brief look at toning. This is a photographic process that does not need a darkroom.

Requirements

All materials will be provided.

Please bring flowers or interesting items that will create an interesting silhouette.

Items will also be provided.

Digital negatives/transparencies can also be used.

Chemicals are used in this process.

What you will achieve

You will leave with confidence to mix your own chemicals, choose substrates, basic toning and bleaching and application to a range of projects. You should leave with a series of small prints using a variety of media in order to gain confidence with different ways of using the process, The prints can be further used as part of a wider printmaking practice.

During the course you will learn how to:

1. Choose a suitable image for printing
2. Make a digital negative specially optimised for Cyanotype
3. Coat the paper
4. Expose the negative and paper
5. Develop and assess the print

There will be a discussion on using Cyanotype creatively, and a brief introduction to some of the options available for toning the prints.

You don’t need to have experience of Cyanotype printing for this course, but some knowledge of photography and Photoshop is recommended.