Final cyanotypes:

To create my final cyanotypes I used the UV light bed that we have access to at the College. I first create a cyanotype for each individual acetate and the after I experimented with different layers and compositions to create three layers cyanotypes. while washing them out there was some variation and some sections were slightly lost but despite this I believe that these final images are all successful and have come out well. 

The first six images were of just one acetate scene each. The obvious difference from the mount board scenes is the colour and tones. They vary slightly between each cyanotype but the blue is mostly a deep, dark and rich hue. For the first three images I think that this tone works really well in showcasing depth within the work. The previous black of the mount board did a good job but sometimes I though this is looked slightly flat whereas the blue has lighter and darker tones within each individual piece allowing there to be a deepness to the piece that you could get lost in. I made the decision to have a mixture of paper that was painted all the way to the edge and some that stopped shot so that the brush strokes were visible. I really liked the organic and slightly messy look, I think that it allows the piece to feel open and honest and there is a natural and authentic element to having the brush strokes on show. On issue I came across while making my images was the that the yellow tones of the cyanotypes didn't seem to wash out easily. I had to spend a long time holding them underneath the tap which then caused some areas to become slightly faint compared to the res of the image. This is the most obvious in images one and four, the works fade towards the side, however, I don't think that the pieces are ruined. This fuzzy aspect to the images allows the lines and forms to become softer and create this blurred effect. When I look at these pieces and the blurred sections I am reminded dreams and apparitions, it has this almost ghostly effect on the pieces. In all of these cyanotypes I noticed that while washing them out the water seemed to make the colour bleed slightly, this meant that when looking closely the lines that were previously strong and sharp has become softer and more gentle, I think that this paired quite well with the dreamy blue tones of the works. To me cyanotypes have always seemed more magical than regular images and it makes sense that the forms within would have a wispy and dreamy quality to them that reinforces this. 

 1

 2

 3

 4

 5

 6

 7

These last four cyanotypes were made by layering two pieces of acetate on top one each other in different combinations to create different compositions. The first was my birch trees layered over my oak tree. When I look at this image I think that there is a harshness to it, the lines of the oak tree are smooth and flowing and the birch trees seem to cut into that. The straight, rigid lines and sharp points adding. viscousness to the work. I love the contrast that the birch trees provide, the white is stark against the darker blue tones of the oak tree. In terms of the composition, I think that the slated trees contrast nicely with the tall oak tree, they create odd angles and depth within the work, with the darker oak in the background. 

 8

I think that this is the most chaotic of the four layers pieces, I used the barn and birch tree acetate to create this cyanotype. There is so much going on, the trees sorting up from the bottom of the work cut through and contrast the man made barn, it is as of there is a battle going on between man and nature. I think that the gentle bends and curves of the thinner branches that glide around the background create a sense of gentle resilience within the work. The main cluster of birch trees are proud and interrupt the composition in a bold manner but the thinner branches flow and weave with more subtlety, reaching out and taking over the image with a calm demeanour. 

 9

This is my favourite out of all the layered images, I used the oak tree acetate and the birch tress to create this composition. This is the composition that I was the most assured about, and I knew that the combination of two different iconic trees would look good. I made sure to centre the birch trees to make it seem as if they were sprouting from the very core of the oak tree, it serves as and focal point of the image and showcases a powerful message about they ways in which nature works and flourishes together. When I look at this piece I see strength and life, the way the birch trees spout out of the oak make it seem as if the oak is birthing new life into the world. in terms of composition, I really like the depth that is portrayed in this work, the birch trees are clearly in the foreground and covering the majority of the oak tree causing the oak to be pushed to the back creating the illusion of depth. 

 10

This is the least successful out of all my images, I layered the barn and birch trees. For some reason the majority of the images seemed to wash away leaving patchy whispers of a scenery. The gate and some of the trees are still visible bit the are pale and faded, creating a ghostly effect and when I showed this piece to my course mates they told me they found this effect really interesting which was a surprise. when I look at this piece I am reminded of old film photographs that have discoloured and faded over time. I have no idea why this cyanotype didn't work properly, when the rest were fine, perhaps it was the position that I put it in the light bed and it didn't get enough exposure. 

Overall, I believe that these have all been very successful final pieces. Even though one did not go the way that I had wanted the rest have turned out well with clear images and colour. I think that the most successful out of all are the three layered compositions, I love the depth that each image portrays and they really feel like a scene from a story book. I think that the blue tones that can be seen throughout each piece has elevated my work beyond just photographs and created something magical. If I had more time and was to do them again I would perhaps look at even more compositions but I am very happy with the relates that I have. 

 11