Vegetable-oiled paper negative
Bleaching and toning diagram
Cyanotype Workshop
I use a number of alternative processes in my work but I always return to the cyanotype print. I think it's because the process reminds me a bit of screen printing, it's a single-color run, really easy, and fun. To make the process more economical, I started printing my negatives on cheap, white paper, and then use veggie oil to turn the paper transparent. You'll have to double the exposure time, but the prints turn out rich and detailed. Plus, the oil process is great for workshops and class projects because beginner students don't have to spend top dollar on transparency film like OHP.
Resource Materials
Cyanotype Process presentation
Cyanotype worksheet
External Links
New dimensions in photo processes by Laura Blacklow
The New Cyanotype Process by Mike Ware
‘Blue, darlky, deeply, beautifully blue’
Robert Southey (1774-1843) Poet Laureate