August 23, 1-4pm
Limited to 10 participants
Registration closes August 20 or when filled

Non-Members: $110
Aurora Members: $100
(Enter Member VIP code at checkout for discount)

Please join Erin Patton McFarren for this two-part workshop on printing cyanotypes on fabric and the wet cyanotype process with pigments. Cyanotype is a camera-less photography made out in the sun, rather than in a darkroom. You place objects — such as plants — on top of a piece of photo-treated fabric, and then use the sun to expose the fabric. The result is an image that is an exact outline of the objects in your composition.

In the workshop, we will mix and apply light sensitive chemistry on a 16-inch cotton handkerchief. You will then create a composition on the fabric using flowers and plants we will have on hand, or bring your own objects to use in your composition. After exposing the image you will have a unique fabric cyanotype featuring the brilliant blue color that is the hallmark of the process.

While the chemistry dries on our fabric handkerchiefs, we will explore the “wet cyanotype” process, enhancing our images with powdered watercolor and dyes to introduce flowing colors beyond the traditional Prussian blue.

A wet cyanotype begins like a traditional cyanotype, with objects such as leaves and flowers placed on the sensitized surface. Then, dry pigments are applied, followed by a spray of dyes and soap bubbles. The piece is wrapped in plastic wrap and exposed to sunlight, allowing swirling liquids and blending colors to create dynamic, organic patterns.

For more information and to register, click here or visit our Workshops page at auroraphoto.org.