PRINTMAKING

Alternative Processing: Cyanotype

Name: Alternative Processing: Cyanotype
Brand: Melody Maloney
Price: 245.0 CAD
Availability: InStock

Mix your own cyanotype chemistry, coat fine-art paper and create a collection of finished prints while learning how to push the process far beyond basic blue. In this six-hour hands-on masterclass, you’ll work with botanicals, objects, stencils or digital negatives, test and calibrate exposures using sunlight and UV units, then experiment with oxidation, bleaching, botanical toning and wet-on-wet techniques. You’ll leave with multiple finished prints plus a repeatable alternative-printing workflow you can continue using on your own.

All Materials Included

Cyanotype chemistry, fine-art watercolour paper, coating brushes, toning materials, UV exposure equipment and finishing supplies are provided.

ART HUB

Hands-on workshop at the Urban Art Collective Art Hub.

Small Class Size

6 minimum · 12 maximum

SKILL LEVEL

Beginner to Intermediate

WORKSHOP RUNDOWN

Morning Session: Chemistry, Composition & Coating

Begin with a studio orientation, cyanotype history and guided chemical mixing using ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. Learn the core safety practices, then explore composition using botanicals, lace, stencils, objects or digital negatives before coating several sheets of fine-art watercolour paper and preparing them for exposure.

Afternoon Session: Exposure, Toning & Experiments

Use test strips to calibrate exposure times for UV units and available sunlight, then expose, wash and oxidize your final prints. Experiment with bleaching, botanical toning and wet-on-wet techniques using materials such as tea, coffee and other modifiers before drying, flattening and reviewing the finished work as a group.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

By The End Of This Workshop, You Will:

Understand the basic chemistry and safety practices behind cyanotype printing.
Mix cyanotype solutions from raw materials and prepare fine-art paper for printing.
Build compositions using objects, stencils, botanicals and digital negatives.
Test and calibrate exposures using sunlight and UV exposure units.
Wash, oxidize and finish cyanotype prints for strong colour and detail.
Experiment with bleaching, botanical toning and wet-on-wet techniques.
Create a collection of finished cyanotype prints.
Leave with a repeatable alternative-printing workflow you can continue using independently.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Melody Maloney

Melody Maloney is a commercial photographer and educator who knows how to keep things sharp, well exposed and occasionally a little retro. Her work spans interiors, portraiture and events, fuelled by good music and a love of all things vintage.

VIEW FULL BIO →

Objects & Negatives: Bring botanicals, lace, stencils, flat or three-dimensional objects, or pre-printed digital negatives you would like to work with.
Paint-Friendly Clothing: Bring an apron or wear a work shirt you do not mind getting stained.
Optional Transparency Printing: UAC pre-printing is available as an add-on for $10–$15 per file. Image files must be submitted at least 48 hours before the workshop.

Have a question about the course or need to discuss accessibility or accommodations before class? Contact us at learn@urbanartcollective.ca.

Parking is available at 1088 Somerset St W at the UAC Art Gallery, as well as at 50 Bayswater Ave. The parking area at 50 Bayswater is accessed from Somerset St W, not from Bayswater Avenue.

Cancellation Policy

14+ days before the first class: Full refund to your original payment method.
7–13 days before: Full-value UAC LAB credit.
Less than 7 days before: No refund or credit.

Registrations can be transferred to another person at no charge before the class begins. Missed classes or sessions are not eligible for refunds, credits or individual make-up classes.

If UAC LAB cancels a class, you can choose a full refund or full-value UAC LAB credit. If we reschedule and the new date does not work for you, you may also request a refund or credit.

UAC LAB Class Registration, Cancellation & Refund Policy