Exploring Cyanotype

I have recently been exploring the idea of print making in more detail, in the lead up to Grotto at CSM this November. Of course, I could simply do a print of a painting or drawing, but I have really enjoyed exploring the different forms of print during the Grotto sessions. I have previously experimented with lino prints and I did a woodblock carving and print when I lived in the canal a few years ago. I think it is important to experiment with different disciplines from time to time. As I also love photography, I happened across some cyanotype examples recently, and decided to explore it further. The materials seemed relatively easy to get hold of, and some of them I already had at home.

Double exposure of a self portrait and recent trip to Wasdale. I wanted to give a sense of daydreaming

I ordered some chemicals and OHP paper to create a large negative and while I waited for them to be delivered, I experimented with some double exposures and inverted them on photoshop.

This windowsill is perfect in the afternoon as the sun often streams in.

I had no tray large enough so the kitchen sink had to do!

When the materials finally arrived, I prepped some watercolour paper with a 1:1 ratio of the chemicals after marking out the rough area that the negative would cover. I made up three different ones and put them in a dark cupboard to dry for a few hours.

I used an old clipframe to sandwich the paper and negative between and sat it in the sun on my windowsill. Timing was a guessing game, but I left the first one for approximately 2 hours.

I hung it diagonally to dry and let it drip at the bottom corner

I noticed a few errors with the print, but overall I absolutely loved it! I love the raw edges where the chemicals were painted on, I love the effect, the contrast, the monochromatic finish. The contrast could be better, so I will adjust exposure and development times on the future prints. I also noticed some inconsistencies with the colour, which may have been the printed negative, but yes, overall I will definitely be continuing this process for Grotto!