Instructor: Michele Randall
Monday - Tuesday
June 5 - 6
10am - 4pm
2 sessions

This course will cover the fundamentals of cyanotype printmaking and its use as a tool with encaustic painting. By the end of the workshop, students will understand how to produce cyanotypes, set up simple lab in their own studio and learn various techniques for incorporating them into the encaustic process. Cyanotype prints are the result of a camera-less photography method, harnessing the sun to produce distinctive blue images in a matter of minutes. These prints will be used as the basis for an encaustic mix-media workshop. The ability to create distinctive images with an immediacy makes them natural pairing for the encaustic process. Cyanotype is distinct from traditional photography because the process allows a more tactile and immediate creation of the images. During the workshop students will have the opportunity to make images from found, locally sourced materials as well as personal images and photographs brought from home.

The first day of class will focus on the cyanotype technique. In this class students will learn three techniques for cyanotype printing; use of photographic negatives, illustrations and botanical photograms. We will experiment with different types of papers and discuss toning methods.

The second day of the class will focus on the application of wax. Specific papers and methods for creating translucency and opacity will be reviewed. Mark making and enhancements specific to cyanotype will be demonstrated. The instructor will provide take-home instructions for further exploration.

Michele Randall is a visual artist and instructor. Her abstract and narrative work utilizes a range of mediums focusing on more traditional and process heavy techniques. She earned an MFA in printmaking at Penn State University. Her university teaching experience includes printmaking, foundations in drawing and foundations in painting. Currently she conducts group workshops and individual instruction in encaustic and cyanotype printmaking across the United States. She is represented by the Roaring Artist Gallery, https://www.roaringartistgallery.com/ and shows her work regularly in brick-and-mortar and virtual locations.