Experimental Cyanotypes

My initial interest in an alternative method of working with cyanotypes was inspired by an online course provided by the artist Natalie Day.  Since last summer I have been experimenting with different ways of using the cyanotype chemicals and have been concentrating on methods which are more akin to working with watercolour, as well as experimenting with the exposure times.  The images that I have been able to create are both expressive and totally unique.

Before.  Unmixed cyanotype chemicals and salt on paper.

Deciding whereabouts to place the individual chemicals, bearing mind that they are very similar in colour prior to exposure, got more difficult as more drops were added. Salt was sprinkled liberally across certain areas, followed by a light spray or two of water, and finally pieces of cling film.

Like all my experimental cyanotypes, it was exposed to daylight until I was happy with how it had progressed. Once it was brought into the studio, it was placed in an area of subdued lighting. In the case of this particular piece there were one or two interesting effects happening on the surface of the cling film — salt crystals were developing on the surface of the cling film, even though the area was quite small, about 1 x 2cms, I felt they were worthy of a photograph and you can see the result in the digital photograph, Abstract #1.

Unlike normal cyanotypes this image has not been washed, and the colours seem to have stabilised.