Discover the tactile magic of cyanotype and take it well beyond basic blue prints. In this intensive six-hour masterclass, students learn how to mix raw chemical solutions from scratch, coat fine art papers, arrange compositions, and expose prints using sunlight or UV units. In the afternoon, students dive into experimental toning using botanical tea baths, coffee, and soda ash to transform classic Prussian blues into rich sepias, deep aubergines, and charcoal blacks. Each participant leaves with a collection of portfolio-ready prints and a deep understanding of alternative printing processes.

Course Logistics

• Duration: 1 day (6 hours total, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM with a 45-minute lunch break)
• Class Size: 8 students minimum / 12 students maximum
• Target Audience: Beginner to intermediate creators interested in alternative photography and printmaking.

Workshop Schedule (6 Hours)

Morning Session: Chemistry, Composition & Coating

• 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Guided Chemical Mixing & Safety: Welcome, studio orientation, and historical overview of cyanotype. Guided group exercise weighing and mixing Part A (Ferric Ammonium Citrate) and Part B (Potassium Ferricyanide) from raw powders under instructor supervision. Safety protocols, light handling, and paper selection guidelines.
• 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM | Composition & Negative Preparation: Arranging botanical specimens, lace, stencils, and three-dimensional objects. Integrating student-provided pre-printed negatives and pre-ordered UAC add-on transparencies. Principles of contrast, exposure density, and visual balance.
• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Paper Coating & Darkroom Prep: Demonstrating coating techniques using foam and hake brushes on various watercolour stocks. Students coat 4–6 fine art paper sheets and place them in the dark drying area with fan support.
• 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM | Lunch Break

Afternoon Session: Exposure, Toning & Experiments

• 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM | Exposure Test Strips & Calibration: Conducting step-wedge exposure tests to determine ideal exposure times. Calibrating exposures for both artificial UV units and ambient sunlight.
• 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM | Main Exposure, Washing & Oxidation: Exposing final prints and executing proper water-rinsing cycles. Using a dilute hydrogen peroxide bath for instant oxidation and maximum colour depth.
• 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Toning & Wet-on-Wet Techniques: Bleaching and toning using sodium carbonate baths followed by green tea, black tea, coffee, or tannic acid to alter print hues. Applying vinegar, turmeric, salt, or soap bubbles directly to wet coated paper for organic textures.
• 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Print Flattening, Critique & Wrap-Up: Drying and flattening prints using blotters and presses. Group feedback session, care instructions, and pack-up in rigid mailers.

What We Provide

• Chemistry & Toning Solutions: Raw cyanotype powders, scales, mixing containers, tray baths, hydrogen peroxide, soda ash, green tea, black tea, coffee grounds, and tannic acid.
• Coating & Exposure Tools: Hake and foam brushes, UV exposure units, paper cutters, and drying racks.
• Takeaway & Packaging Supplies: Fine art watercolour paper, blotters/presses for flattening, and rigid mailers for safe transport.

What To Bring & Requirements

• Objects & Negatives: Botanical items, lace, stencils, flat/3D objects, or pre-printed digital negatives brought from home.
• Apparel: An apron or work shirt you don't mind getting stained.
• Optional UAC Pre-Printing Add-On: Transparency printing service is available at web checkout for $10–$15 per file (image files must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the workshop).

Event Details

• Dates: To be announced
• Format: 1 single session (6 hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
• Location: Urban Art Collective Art Hub, 50 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa
• Instructor: To be announced
• Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Maximum Capacity: 12 attendees
• Minimum Enrolment: 8 attendees required