About this Event
A hands-on creative session where you learn the 19th-century "sun-printing" photographic process to turn pressed plants, leaves, lace, or photo negatives into striking Prussian blue-and-white art.
Topics we will cover:
• How to balance and arrange objects for visual contrast.
• How UV intensity, weather, and exposure time dictate print depth, tone, and sharpness.
• Options for wet cyanotypes (adding salt, vinegar, or water splatters) or multi-layered exposures.
What works well with Cyanotype?
Any of the following...
1. Natural and Organic Objects
• Leaves and ferns with distinct, interesting shapes.
• Flowers or flower petals for delicate silhouettes.
• Weeds and grasses to create fine, wispy lines.
• Small branches or twigs.
2. Man-Made and 3D Objects
• Lace or doilies to cast intricate grid patterns.
• Feathers for soft, layered textures.
• Cut glass or crystal pieces to refract or block light.
• Patterned cellophane or sheer fabrics to play with transparency.
• Stencils or paper silhouettes cut into custom shapes.
Students will walk away with an understanding of Cyanotype development—one of the first photographic processes—and some beautiful and unexpected pieces.
Suitable for all skill levels.
🎁 Looking for a unique holiday gift?
Your finished portrait makes a heartfelt, handmade gift for someone special! Share a little holiday cheer with a one-of-a-kind piece of art that’s sure to bring smiles for years to come.
Supply List for Students to Bring:
This is a studio workshop and students will be using their supplies.
- Jaquard Cyanotype Fabric Sheets, 10pk - 8.5x11, Item #: 01321-1010 (Note: do not open before the workshop, it is light reactive)
- Nature Print Paper Print Papers - 5" x 7", 30pk - Item #: 11216-1001 (Note: also light reactive, do not open before the workshop)
- Natural and Organic Objects:
- Leaves and ferns with interesting shapes
- Flowers or flower petals
- Weeds and grasses for wispy lines
- Small branches or twigs
- Man-Made and 3D Objects:
- Lace or doilies for pattern
- Feathers for texture
- Cut glass or crystal pieces to refract or block light
- Patterned cellophane or sheer fabrics to play with transparency
- Stencils or paper silhouettes cut into custom shapes
Special Workshop Info:
- Thurday, December 10th from 10:30am-1:30pm
- Instructor: Donnie Jones
- Cost $115
- Max 16 students
- Level: 1-2 (beginner and intermediate)
- Age level: adult (18 & up)
Event venue & nearby stays
Art on 30th, 4434 30th Street, San Diego, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.