Three days of cyanotype sun printing with plants. Discover a camera-less photography technique which was discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842 and used by Anna Atkins to create detailed images of ferns and algae. Iron salts are mixed and turn blue when exposed to UV light. This exciting process can be used to make photograms which can be adapted in a multitude of ways to create artistic images. You can create multiple exposures, different shades of blue and use masks and stencils make unique, one-of-a-kind prints. You will be taken through the process from start to finish and will have time to explore many different cyanotype techniques (including wet cyanotype), different papers and use both the sun and UV lights to create multi-layered images.
Tutor: Marion Sidebottom
Marion is an artist, photographer & workshop tutor and enjoys working in many different medias but most of them involving plants. She is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and was Artist in Residence in Epping Forest supported by Arts Council Funding. She has won awards for her photography including an RHS Gold medal and 2nd place in the category of International Garden Photographer of the Year.
She teaches a wide range of workshops including cyanotype sun printing, photography, smartphone photography, plant pressing & oshibana, and printmaking. She has been teaching workshops for the Royal Horticultural Society since 2016. Marion has exhibited her work in both group and solo exhibitions and takes part in the Burnham Art Trail in Essex most years.
She loves experimenting and combining different medias, and is never happier than when researching techniques, teaching or attending workshops herself!
Example Timetable
Arrival day
Check-in is between 1600 and 1800. If you are arriving after 1800, please advise us so we can arrange a self-check-in.
You will meet the tutor at dinner, following which you will have your first session.
What's Included
Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.
Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.
Before You Attend
What to bring
Apron or old clothes, plants (not too thick or bigger than A4), can be pressed or fresh. Folder to take work home in. Other items you may want to cyanotype.
