Cyanotype Painting

Dr Tony Curran

Need an image for Halloween, do you simply want to jumpstart a séance, or maybe you want those architectural plans converted into antique “blue-prints”. Join Dr Tony Curran as you learn a haunting 19th century combination of painting and photography known as cyanotype, which literally translates as “blue-print”. A cyanotype is a form of early photo-copying that combines painting, photography and printmaking to make unique copies of objects, and as such, is a versatile form of stencil-based printmaking. The cyanotype process will be demonstrated in a photographic darkroom and students will be led through the process of painting on transparent surfaces so that students can make their own stencils which will then be exposed in the autumn sun.

Students will be inducted to safely use the cyanotype chemicals (a mix of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide) which are similar to more commercial versions of similar materials (such as Inkodye). All materials will be provided, however it is recommended that students bring a photograph or two from which they can draw inspiration for their print.

About Tony

Dr Tony Curran is a Canberra-based artist and Sessional Lecturer at the ANU School of Art & Design. He has exhibited nationally and internationally in drawing, painting, installation and sound art. His research has investigated the role of participation in portraiture and figurative art by producing in-situ life drawing performances at Australia’s National Portrait Gallery, the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery the Museum of the Riverina and Fraser Studios. Tony’s work was selected for the 2015 Archibald Prize and touring exhibitions. His current studio-research explores the adjacent spaces of painting and technology.

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