Note: Be sure to review all resources and preview all artists before determining if they are appropriate to share with your students.

Are you looking to captivate your students with photography but don’t have access to fancy equipment or a darkroom? We have good news! You can bring photography into any art room by harnessing the power of sunlight to create stunning blueprints. Cyanotypes, with their mesmerizing Prussian blue color, offer a unique and accessible way to engage students in a different form of artmaking. It’s also a simple process that encourages experimentation while introducing foundational composition and chemistry concepts. Dive into a world of blue and discover simple tips to incorporate cyanotypes into your art room.

Keep reading to learn how you can implement and elevate cyanotypes in your classroom without a darkroom! 

Why cyanotypes?

Sir John Herschel invented the cyanotype process in 1842, but Anna Atkins brought it to popularity. Cyanotypes offer a unique blend of art and science and allow students to explore photographic processes without a camera. The artist arranges objects to create visually engaging images to explore composition as well as positive and negative shapes. The process uses ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. These chemicals are sensitive to UV light and produce blue-toned prints when exposed and washed. If you live in an area with limited UV or sun exposure or want to print indoors, use a UV light kit.

Here are three cyanotype artists to share:

1. Anna Atkins was the first person to create a book using photographic images. She used the cyanotype process to create detailed and scientifically accurate images of botanical specimens, blending the fields of art and biology. 
2. Christian Marclay creates cyanotypes to explore the visual representation of sound and music. He places musical objects like records, cassette tapes, and other audio equipment onto photosensitive paper. 
3. Meghann Riepenhoff is a US artist who makes unique cyanotype prints using the natural properties of water. She uses natural materials like water, soil, and dust to physically etch into her photographic materials. 

Elevate cyanotype printing in the art room with these five methods!

1. Toning

Toning cyanotypes can alter their color and add depth and variety. Common toning agents include tea and coffee. This technique allows students to experiment with different hues. 

1. Prepare the toning solution.
   Mix your chosen toning agent (tea or coffee) with water. The concentration will depend on the depth of color desired. Tea will give a lighter, more translucent brown, while coffee will produce a deeper, richer brown.
2. Immerse the print.
   Submerge your dry cyanotype print into the toning solution. Let it soak for several minutes, checking periodically until the desired color is achieved.
3. Rinse and dry.
   After toning, rinse the print in clean water to stop the toning process. Hang or lay flat to dry completely.

2. Multiple Exposures

Creating cyanotype prints with multiple exposures can result in complex, layered images. This technique encourages the exploration of layered compositions and visual storytelling. Experiment with a variety of objects that have different textures like lace, feathers, or paper cutouts. Also, play with exposure time to create depth and contrast in the final print.

1. Plan the composition.
   Select the design elements to layer and arrange objects or negatives on the cyanotype paper.
2. Expose and develop.
   Expose the paper to light for the first layer. For instance, you may lay a transparent leaf on the paper and expose it to sunlight.
3. Repeat exposure.
   Remove the first object, add new objects (such as a different shape or color), and expose it to light again. This layering creates a complex, multi-dimensional image.
4. Develop.
   Rinse in water as usual to reveal the final layered image.

3. Wet Cyanotypes

Wet cyanotypes involve adding moisture to the process to produce unique, textured effects. This technique creates organic patterns, adding an element of unpredictability. More water will create a softer, watercolor-like effect, while less water will make more defined textures.

1. Prepare the paper.
   Lightly moisten your cyanotype paper with a spray bottle or immerse it in water.
2. Apply the cyanotype solution.
   Apply the cyanotype solution to the wet paper using a brush or sponge. The selected tool will also contribute to unique patterns.
3. Expose and develop.
   Arrange objects on the coated paper and expose the print to sunlight or UV light. Rinse in water and let dry.

4. Fabric Cyanotype

Printing cyanotypes on fabric opens up creative possibilities with wearable art and textile design! Fabrics like cotton or silk may produce different results in texture and color. Play with enhancing or modifying cyanotype designs with fabric dyes or paints.

1. Prepare the fabric.
   Wash and iron the fabric to remove any sizing or dirt. Stretch the fabric on a flat surface.
2. Apply the cyanotype solution.
   Brush or sponge the cyanotype solution evenly onto the fabric in a dimly lit area.
3. Arrange objects.
   Place objects or negatives on the coated fabric.
4. Expose and develop.
   Expose to sunlight or UV light, then rinse the fabric in water. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

5. Hand-Coloring

Adding color to cyanotype prints highlights details and adds a mixed-media element. Once the print is dry, students can use watercolors, colored pencils, or other media. Additionally, hand-coloring is a great way to “save” any cyanotypes that don’t turn out as planned.  

1. Prepare the print.
   Allow the cyanotype print to dry completely.
2. Add color.
   Use watercolors, colored pencils, or other media to add details and colors to the print.
3. Fix the color.
   If using watercolor or other wet media, let the color dry completely before handling. Optionally, apply a fixative to ensure the colors stay in place.

With no darkroom required, cyanotypes make blending artistic techniques with foundational concepts in chemistry and composition easy. Embrace the world of camera-less photography in your classroom through this engaging and versatile medium. Whether incorporating the basics of cyanotype printing or elevating the technique with advanced methods like toning, multiple exposures, and wet cyanotypes, the possibilities for creativity and experimentation are endless!

What is your favorite way to elevate cyanotypes? 

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