Shadow Images: Experimental Printmaking with Cyanotype

Create fine art prints with nothing but sunlight and cyanotype paper! This printmaking workshop covers the history and process of cyanotype printing. Take a private walk for inspiration and to collect objects to use for your photograms. Then, create negative shadow images by harnessing UV light and developing the images in water.

• This hands-on workshop takes place at a private location in Joshua Tree. No park pass is required.

• Anyone may attend! No photography or printmaking experience is required.

• Art supplies are provided. The instructor may invite participants to bring supplemental materials.

• No meals are provided. 

Activity level: The outdoor portion is leisurely and can be modified to accommodate participants. It requires less than 1 mile of walking with shade, seating, consistent terrain, and little to no elevation gain. Please email desertinstitute@joshuatree.org if you need specific accommodations.

Required items for participants: 

• Find 3-4 black and white images.

• High contrast usually works best. Landscapes, abstracts, flowers, and even people and pets work great. They can be from your camera or phone. Just send the largest size possible one at a time via email to rcefalu@mac.com, and I will make enlarged negatives before we meet. If none of this makes sense, no worries; it will all come together when we meet.

• Please bring comfortable clothing and shoes

• Hat and sunscreen at your discretion

• Lunch/snack break, bring your own food and water

• The class is 50% indoors and 50% outdoors

• Notebook, pencil, eraser, artist masking tape or painter’s tape, and watercolors for experimentation. 

Photo credit: Anna Atkins