Cyanotype Toning: Using Botanicals to Tone Blueprints Naturally

Description

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. 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