Cyanotype is the most accessible and frequently used of all the alternative photographic processes. When utilized properly, it has the potential to rival other processes when it comes to detail and tonal range, but its Prussian blue color isn’t always suitable for the final photograph. Throughout history, cyanotype prints have been toned not only with various―and at times hazardous―chemicals but also with more natural ingredients like tea and coffee. Since the cyanotype itself is non-toxic, Cyanotype Toning will champion an innovative process, developed by the author, of toning cyanotypes with natural material. This process, which is easy and reliable, offers a much broader range of possible colors and even beautiful black and whites. Even duotone or tricolor prints can be attained.
The book consists of two parts. Part One is a step-by-step how-to section including all the information that a student at any level needs to achieve a successfully toned print. Easy-to-understand background information is provided on how and why the process works so that readers can venture on their own into the world of natural colors. The first part also has a detailed section on all the factors that can influence the outcome, like paper choice, water quality, properties of the plants, temperature of the bath and the duration of the toning. Part Two is devoted to contemporary artists who have explored toning with botanicals and integrated the process into their creative practice.
The book includes:
A list of equipment and supplies needed.
In depth information about useful plants and the specific properties that make them suitable for toning cyanotypes.
Concise step-by-step instructions for printing cyanotypes successfully.
A chart of more than 60 tested papers with recommendations on paper choice.
Step-by-step generic instructions on toning with botanicals.
Troubleshooting toning with botanicals.
More detailed recipes for specific colors with information about the plants.
Step-by-step instructions on how to print duotone and tricolor prints.
A range of creative ideas on how to use the process in classrooms and with different age groups.
A comprehensive list of more than 380 tested parts of plants and possible color outcomes.
Using botanicals to tone cyanotypes broadens the color spectrum, enlarges creative possibilities and makes the cyanotype process even more versatile. The process is not cut and dried science but a limitless field for discovery and surprises. Cyanotype Toning provides accessible information and instructions for readers at all levels. It is comprehensive and explanatory, so that readers can expand on the subject on their own, as did the contemporary artists who share their experiences and the works they have created using this innovative toning process.
Author(s): Annette Golaz
Series: Contemporary Practices in Alternative Process Photography
Edition: 1
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2021
Language: English
Pages: 284
Cover
Half Title
Series
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1 A Glimpse into the Past
The Talented Mr. Fox Talbot
Plants Produce Pictures
Anna Atkins and Algae
Dyers Knew It All Along
Part One Toning Cyanotypes Step-by-Step
Chapter 2 Botanicals as Toners
Dyer’s Glossary
Cyanotypes Take on Color
Bleaching and Toning
Why Botanicals?
Polytalents Wanted
Herbal Medicine and Polyphenols
Why is Dyeing Fabric Interesting?
Tannin-Rich Plants
Reading Tea Leaves
Superpowers in Superfoods
Traditional Dye Plants
Rule of Thumb
A Word about Lightfastness
Chapter 3 Cyanotype in a Nutshell
Safety First
About Formulas
Christina Z. Anderson’s Favorite Formula
How to Get Started
Technical Equipment
Chemistry Supplies
Laboratory Supplies
Sources for Supplies
Measurements
How to Create a Negative
How to Curve a Negative
How to Prepare a Negative
How to Print a Negative
How to Prepare the Emulsion
Mixing at Time of Use
How to Coat the Paper
How to Expose Your Cyanotype
How to Determine Exposure Time
Low-Tech Method
How to Develop the Cyanotype
Troubleshooting Cyanotypes
Chapter 4 Background Information and Preparation
Safety Considerations
Equipment
Essentials
Nice to Have
When Water Gives You a Hard Time
pH Value is Key
Raising pH Value
Some Like It Hot
Don’t Take Paper Choice Lightly
My Personal Paper Charts
Paper Chart for Toning
Wet or Dry?
Fresh or Cured?
Chapter 5 Toning Cyanotypes Step-by-Step
Gathering Plants
Buying Toning Material
Amount of Toning Material
Quick Reference
How to Prepare the Botanicals
Basic Process Step-by-Step
Toning More than One Print
Storing the Toning Bath
Bleaching before Toning
Split Tones
Modifying Colors
Color Transitions
Toning Multiple Times
Documenting the Process
Finishing and Storing Prints
Protective Sprays
Petroleum Jelly and Liquid Varnish
Embrace Unpredictability
Troubleshooting
Chapter 6 The Colors
We See Things Differently
Living Pictures
My Personal Favorites
Green
Brown
Black
Blue
Purple
Yellow
Gray
Chapter 7 Tricolor Cyanotype Prints
Tannins Turn Cyanotype Emulsion Blue
In Search of the Red
Finding the Yellow
Balancing the Colors
Bleaching the Layers
Supplies and Additional Equipment
How to Prepare the Tricolor Negatives
How to Prepare the Paper
How to Make the Tricolor Cyanotype
My Favorite Finish
Lightfastness of Tricolor Prints
Get Creative!
Chapter 8 Creative Ideas
A Long-Marginalized Form of Art
Ideas for Photograms
Photograms Made of 3D Objects
Cameraless Negatives with OHP Film
Transparent Film in Different Colors
Cameraless Negatives with Tracing Paper
Cliché-Verre—Etching Negatives
Printing and Toning Cyanotypes on Wood
Epoxy Resin
Toning Cyanotypes on Fabric
Part Two Contemporary Cyanotype Artists Explore Toning With Botanicals
Chapter 9 Contemporary Cyanotype Artists Explore Toning with Botanicals
Jaime Aelavanthara
Christina Z. Anderson
Julia Arstorp
Chuck Baker
Diana Bloomfield
Nadine Caplunik
Angela Chalmers
Kimberly Chiaris
Marie Craig
Michael Fehr
Brittonie Fletcher
Peter Friedrichsen
Aline Héau
Christine Huhn
Mario Jambor
Allan Jenkins
Galina Manikova
Sehera Nawaz
Emma Powell
Melissa Rackham
Melanie Walker
Jill Welham
Appendix Table of Botanicals
Bibliography
Index
