Immerse yourself in the magical process of cyanotype where science meets art in this hands-on beginners workshop. Join cyanotype artist, Laurinda Bellew from Blue Lumiere Art, who will introduce you to the basics of traditional cyanotype printmaking, an alternative photographic process from the 1840’s. Using various paper and fabrics, cyanotype solution, and sunshine, experiment and create your very own beautiful botanical images to take home.

In this workshop, you will learn how to mix the light sensitive emulsion, look at different substrates suitable for printing, how to coat the paper, discuss suitable flowers, leaves, and objects for printing, learn how to expose the paper, experiment printing cyanotypes using local Wiltshire botanicals and objects, and learn how to develop and dry the print. You will leave with your own beautiful blueprints at the end of the session. The emphasis is on experimenting and having fun with the process.

Laurinda will be on hand to guide you through each stage and offer advice and support. If the sun refuses to behave, UV lights will be used as a back-up so the day will go ahead whatever the weather.

All materials, safety equipment and refreshments provided. While there will be plenty available to inspire, you are also encouraged to bring your own leaves and flat objects with you, such as lace, feathers, or stencils.

About your tutor:

Laurinda is a cyanotype artist working from her home studio in rural Wiltshire. Laurinda first discovered alternative photographic processes while studying for a master’s degree in History of Art in 1995. She explored many art forms over the years, but returned to the cyanotype process in 2013 as a way of recording and preserving the beauty of her rural surroundings in intricate detail.

Working in both traditional and wet processes, Laurinda also experiments with mixed media colour, wet in wet, to capture moments of time and place - a misty day, a summer breeze, or the first light of dawn.

Laurinda is represented by galleries in Wiltshire and North Yorkshire, and has exhibited locally in the Cotswolds and South West England.