Cyanotypes:

I decided to create some cyanotypes using the photographs that I had taken during some of my research trips. To do this I chose three images and used photoshop to invert the colours, changed them to black and white and then used curves to adjust the contrast and shadows within the images. 

Instead of using pre made cyanotype mixture I bought the chemicals and the photography technician mixed them for me, I then used this mixture on 3 A3 sheets on paper. For these three images I used a uv lighted to expose them and then washed them out underneath a cold tap. One things that seemed to go wrong was that when washing the the images were washing away as well which isn't supposed to happen. I wonder if the issue was the paper that I was using, water colour paper. But when I tried mixed media paper instead it seemed to make no different. What I ended up doing was just estimating the best point to stop washing to try and make sure that I had a somewhat intact image. 

The first two images are of trees, both looking up above. Although similar subjects I think that both images are very different. The branches in the first image are thinner and have an element of fragility to them, they look as if they might break at any moment. I believe that the perspective is disorientating, and it seems to put the image off kilter as if the viewer is laying down and looking up, it makes the tree seem tall and looming. The branches in this image seem to twist and turn, I think that the bends and kinks cause the tree to look withered and tired. There is a fragility to this image that there isn't in the second cyanotype, the leaves that cascade down are small and delicate and I believe that the the patchiness of the work caused by too much washing adds to this effect and allows the work to feel old. Because of the perspective within this image, I am reminded of laying down and looking up at the branches and leaves. I think that this invokes a feeling comfort and safety, like you are laying down with a friend and gossiping under the protection of the willow.  

For this second image I think that the branches are sturdier and they invoke a sense of strength within the image, the tree is old and has had to persevere. Unfortunately, the majority of the leaves have been washed out and have caused these gaps in the image. Although this isn't what I initially wanted I do think that it is effective in some ways. The gaps are obvious and to me they create a sense of loss within the work, something was once there but isn't anymore. I think that this can be quite powerful, showing the loss that comes with growing old. You may lose parts of yourself throughout life but, like this tree you'll gain new things as well. When looking at the composition I like how the tree is centred within the image, it commands attention and the branches spread across the image and fill up the paper so that there is something new to look at in every section, I think that this is effective as it keeps the viewer interested on the work. although this is a cyanotype I believe that different textures are very present within this piece, due to me adjusting the shadows of the image on photoshop I was able to make the texture of the tree bark prominent and the jagged and twisting lines of the bark can been clearly seen twisting around the tree trunk and branches. I think that this definitely adds some realism to the work that contrasts the surreal blue tones.

The last image is more washed out than the others as this is the first one I washed and unfortunately didn't know when to stop. The broken down barn in the middle is visible but the surroundings seem to be quite faded, the inside of the barn is significantly darker than the rest of the image which I think provides a contrast the draws the eye. I believe that there is something surreal about this, the blue tones are almost none existent except for in the middle and it reminds me of trying to remember a faded memory. In terms of line and form this last piece seems to have more straight and consistent lines within it, and I think that this emphasises the fact the subject of the image is man made, it's not as natural as the trees and the metal gate and panels onto barn stand out. The building is large and although the work is only A3 I think that the barn still stands tall and seems imposing in a way. I think that there is definitely an unsettling undertone to this image, the barn looks abandoned and the darkness inside gives the perfect cover for something to hide there. 

I think that all three of these images were successful tests for my new cyanotype mixture, I would like to try some more and perhaps leave the mixture to dry off longer or use different types of paper and fabric and see if that makes a difference when it comes to washing them out. I think that the images that I have chosen for this are strong and interesting in terms of composition and I believe that I adjusted the contrast and shadows really well which enabled the smaller details and texture to show though in the cyanotypes.