In Real Life: Cyanotype (Sun Photography) | 14 Sep | 12-4pm | £60 | 16yrs+ | Tutor Helena McGregor | Print Room, Studio 3 and Garden

These monthly workshops are an antidote to the digital world, immersing you in the process and craft of sensual textured art-forms, engaging fully with the physical world to create a unique piece of work. All levels of experience welcome. Throw away your phone, slow down, be present and make something new.

Use the power of the sun to create beautiful, one-off photographic prints. Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print – Engineers used it traditionally, as a simple and low-cost way to produce copies of drawings, referred to as blueprints. Sunlight/UV reacts with photographic chemicals painted onto paper, fabric and other materials, to capture photograms of objects, or can be used in conjunction with negative images, to create blueprint photographs.

What will the course cover and how will it be taught?

In this workshop, you will learn how to mix cyanotype chemicals and coat your paper/fabric/surface. We will collect natural forms from the garden and/or use negative images to compose beautiful prints. You will explore different exposure times and their effects and experiment with additives such as salt and washing-up liquid to create interesting patterns and textures. Finally, you will learn how to develop your image.

Who is it suitable for?

You may never have tried cyanotype before or you may wish to revisit the technique to consolidate the basics. All are welcome.

What do I need to bring with me?

If you would like to use your own photos to make cyanotype prints, please email up to 2 x black and white photos to Helena.mcgregor@breweryarts.co.uk 48 hours before to be turned into negative images on acetate, there will be some images available to use during the workshop supplied by the tutor.

When using art materials your clothes could get dirty so you may wish to bring an apron and/or dress for mess.

Are there any additional costs?

No

About the tutor

Helena McGregor is a visual artist, specialising in printmaking, and a qualified Secondary Art and Design Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in UK and International Schools, teaching 11-18-year-olds in a range of creative subjects. She also has experience in teaching Primary Art, running art CPD sessions and adult art workshops. Helena is also part of our Creative Learning team at Brewery Arts.