Cyanotypes: A DIY Workshop!

Join Pro Photo Supply, in partnership with Blue Sky Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, for a Cyanotype workshop with Claudia Hollister

Pro Photo Supply - Event Center

Pro Photo Supply is teaming up with <a href="https://www.blueskygallery.org/history-mission" title="https://www.blueskygallery.org/history-mission" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Blue Sky Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts</a> and local artist <a href="https://www.claudiahollister.com/cyanotypes" title="https://www.claudiahollister.com/cyanotypes" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Claudia Hollister</a> to offer this fun and unique workshop where you'll get a hands-on lesson in creating your own cyanotypes!What is a cyanotype?Cyanotype prints are an exciting non-toxic, alternative photographic process using light-sensitive iron salts and UV light to develop a blue-colored image. Cyanotype prints have no emulsion, instead, the light-sensitive iron salts have been infused into the paper fibers while a negative film placed on the sensitized paper is exposed to UV light. Once the image has finished being exposed it must be washed out in water to reveal a positive image. The blues are unique to this process and can’t be duplicated in any other medium.The cyanotype process was invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842 to create architectural blueprints. Before the invention of photography, scientists utilized detailed descriptions and other artistic processes (typically illustrations or engravings) to record botanical specimens. In 1843, Anna Atkins printed the first cyanotype prints documenting plant and sea life. Anna self-published her detailed and meticulous botanical images using the cyanotype photographic process in her 1843 book, Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions. With a limited number of copies, it was the first book ever to be printed and illustrated by photography.About this ClassThis is a 4-hour workshop designed to take you through the process of creating your own photographic cyanotype prints. In this workshop, you will learn how to create both a positive and negative transparency film from a photograph.You will learn what photographs are likely to give you a successful cyanotype print. We use the word "likely" since the process is not an exact science. Great photographs do not always translate into great cyanotype prints. Below are some examples of cyanotypes that did work and some that did not.

<h3>Successful Cyanotype</h3>

<h3>Images that will not make a good cyanotype</h3>

<h3>What to Expect Before and During the Workshop</h3> A week before the workshop, you will be given step-by-step instructions on how to create your negative image so you will have more printing time in class. Once you have created the negative(s) you want to print you will be asked to email them to Pro Photo Supply so we can put them onto transparencies for you.On the day of the workshop, Claudia will demo how to coat paper. Due to time restraints and the fact that we are working outside you will not have the opportunity to practice coating your own paper. We will supply each student with multiple sheets of pre-coated paper.The contact prints are always the size of your negative. For this workshop, we will be making 8x10" prints.Claudia will show you how to create a double print, using both a negative film and a positive film without having to coat your paper twice.We will discuss the outcomes, as we review images from everyone, throughout the class. The goal is to give you time to explore the process, ask questions, have fun, and hopefully take home some good prints.You will be given handouts with a step-by-step reminder of the printing process, a list of formulas, where to purchase materials, and Claudia's personal contact information so that you can ask her questions after the workshop is over.

<h3>ABOUT CLAUDIA HOLLISTER</h3>

Claudia is a Sculptor, Painter, Porcelain artist, and Jeweler. Previously she has designed for Reed and Barton Silversmiths, Orrefors Crystal, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Godiva Chocolates. She has shown at the Renwick Gallery, the Smithsonian Museum of Art, The American Craft Museum, and Cartier Jewelers.While teaching encaustic painting at PNCA she became intrigued with the process of printing images in the sun without harmful chemicals, she started creating cyanotypes for her paintings. During COVID lockdown she focused her interest on photographing flowers from her garden to create cyanotype prints.Claudia is now in her forth year documenting the cycle of seasonal blooms. Her process blends chemistry, nature, artistic license, technology, and pure timing. Claudia’s cyanotypes have been shown throughout the US and Australia. Claudia works full-time in her Portland Oregon studio, focusing on cyanotype prints and collages.Claudia's work is currently exhibited in the Pacific NW Drawers at Blue Sky Gallery, click <a href="https://www.blueskygallery.org/2024-pacific-northwest-drawers-1/2024/2/14/claudia-hollister" title="https://www.blueskygallery.org/2024-pacific-northwest-drawers-1/2024/2/14/claudia-hollister" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">HERE</a> for more info!

<h3>ABOUT BLUE SKY OREGON CENTER FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS</h3>Founded as the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts by a group of five young photographers in 1975, Blue Sky quickly established itself as an important venue for local photography. In a short period of time, the organization expanded its offerings to include national and international artists, many of whom exhibited at Blue Sky early in their careers.Blue Sky’s special endeavor continues to be the exhibition of emerging and established artists who exemplify the finest in photographic vision and innovation. As such, Blue Sky has earned the accolade of having “the best record of discovering new photographers of any artists’ space in the country.”Today, from our 3,700-square-foot facility in Portland’s historic DeSoto Building, Blue Sky presents 20 - 25 <a href="http://www.blueskygallery.org/exhibitions/currently-showing/" title="http://www.blueskygallery.org/exhibitions/currently-showing/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">exhibitions</a> annually, maintains a <a href="http://www.blueskygallery.org/resources/library/" title="http://www.blueskygallery.org/resources/library/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">public research library</a>, showcases regional photographers in an annual juried exhibition of original works in its <a href="https://www.blueskygallery.org/pnwdrawers" title="https://www.blueskygallery.org/pnwdrawers" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Pacific Northwest Drawers</a>, and offers <a href="http://www.blueskygallery.org/programs/events/" title="http://www.blueskygallery.org/programs/events/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">artist talks and programs</a> — all free to the public.

ABOUT REGISTRATIONBy, registering for this event, you also agree to receive future emails from Pro Photo Supply marketing on new events, promotions, and tips on photography. You can unsubscribe at any time.This photo walk is limited to 15 spots with a minimum of 8 registered attendees needed. In the event the minimum isn't met, the session will be canceled and registered attendees will receive full refunds.This event has limited space, as a result, registration is required for each attendee. If you are on the waitlist for this event, you will receive a notification, via email, if a space becomes available for you.PRICING, FEES &amp; REFUNDSIn the event of a refund, Eventbrite Fees are not refundable. Eventbrite fees are only refunded if an event is canceled.Refunds are only available within 48 hours of a planned workshop.Refunds are unavailable post-event date.

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

Cyanotypes: A DIY Workshop!

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Portland and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.

Cyanotypes: A DIY Workshop!

More Arts events

Browse more Arts events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Portland and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.