Outline for Cyanotype Masterclass (4 hours)

9:05 – 9:15 Introduction: of myself; overview of process; how to coat paper; safety tips.

9:20 – 9:40 Darkroom Activity One: Each student to coat the following papers: 2 x A5 and 1 x A4

9:40 – 10:00 Classroom presentation: on process/techniques/creative expression with discussion of my own work and historical/contemporary examples. Covering briefly (more technical details will be provided via resources/links on my website):

1. Preparing the paper (paper selection/coating the paper/drying the paper/alternative surfaces) 2. Exposure (methods of making an image (contact print & photogram/correct exposure time) 3. Developing & drying the prints (techniques and tips) 4. Creative exemplars – historical and contemporary inspiration

10:00 – 11:00 Activity Two: Experimentation with process – students to make three to four A5 prints – aim is to understand the process, especially control of exposure and explore creative possibilities with different materials.

(short break if needed – 10 minutes)

11:10 – regroup for quick discussion (5 mins) on progress so far/troubleshooting/refining ideas for final print

11:15 – 12:50 – Activity Three - produce an A4 work based what you have learned through your process experimentation

12:50 Pack up

Student to bring the following materials:

To make cyanotype photograms please bring a range of transparent and opaque materials and objects to place on your UV sensitive paper:

Suggestions: Natural materials (plants/roots/leaves/feathers/shells); glass objects, kitchen items, fabrics/clothing; a variety of papers/plastic materials; old x-rays; string & rope, toys.

Optional but highly recommended for getting the most out of this Masterclass:

If you want to make cyanotype contact photo print you will need to creative a negative to bring to the class.

1) photocopy or digitally print a photograph/drawing/text onto A4 acetate in black and white. This can be done easily and cheaply in the QCA library (20 cents). If you want a positive image, you will need to turn your source material into a negative image (resulting print will be mostly white with blue details). This can be done in photoshop or on the photocopier itself. If you want a negative image, you will need to leave your source material as a positive image (resulting print will be mostly blue with white details). 2) Alternatively negatives can be hand created by drawing with a heavy black marker on clear acetate sheets or cutting out images (silhouettes) in paper.

Looking for inspiration? Extra resources can be found on my website: http://michellevine.com/cyanotype/