Introduction to Cyanotype

Date  | Sunday, June 7th, 2026

Register early to help ensure your class runs. Courses that do not meet minimum enrollment may be cancelled.

Time  |   10 AM – 5 PM

Location |  Colorado Photographic Arts Center

1200 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO, 80203

Cost  |  $180 Members $200 Non Members

Additional Materials Fee  |  $40

Instructor  |  Kimberly Chiaris

Skill Level  |  Beginner & Intermediate

Objective:

In this introductory class, students will learn to make beautiful cyanotype prints from natural materials and found objects to make unique images on a variety of printable surfaces.

Course Description:

This workshop is for anyone interested learning Cyanotype, a non-camera, hands-on process, which has been relevant to historical as well as contemporary photographic processes. Students will survey work by artists who have taken this process to endlessly creative heights as inspiration to create prints using natural materials, and found objects to make unique images on a variety of surfaces, including textiles.

Starting with two non-toxic chemicals, participants will learn about mixing and applying this chemistry to a variety of paper as well as other natural surfaces, exposing with UV light, then developing their prints in a few simple solutions. This workshop will also cover using a variety of natural objects along with various household products to experiment with making wet cyanotypes.

Students will leave with several unique images as well as ideas and written information to further your practice at home, including “how to” books, helpful websites, and information about where to buy supplies.

Materials Needed:

• Apron and latex gloves
• Objects for contact printing (anything with strong shape or silhouette), or digital negatives (no larger than 8 x 10). Traditional contact printing subjects included botanical specimens, and much later building plans which came to be known as “blueprints”.
• Provided: Chemistry, paper printing options and some objects. Students may bring clothing or other items to print on, such as t-shirts, hats, gloves, napkins, towels, table clothes or any materials made from 100% natural fibers.