Are you a gardener or all around nature lover? Do you want to capture nature in art, but too intimidated by drawing, painting, or digital photography? Then this introductory/intermediate workshop is for you!

The cyanotype process was discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842 using photo sensitized paper and UV light. Anna Atkins, a family friend of Sir John Herschel, was one of the first to use the cyanotype process to create a series of self published books cataloging her magical prussian blue botanical imagery beginning in 1843.

Peg O'Connell, who has been creating cyanotypes for 20+ years, will walk you through the timeless process of botanical printing that Anna Atkins used. By the end of the 3 hour class, you will have 3 to 5 prints ready to take home!

Agenda/Topics covered

In this 3 hour workshop, students will learn about the history of the process as well as how to coat paper with the cyanotype emulsion, expose prints with the sun and washing the prints in water for archivalness.

Special Instructions

IN PERSON WORKSHOP This class is an introductory class and will focus 100% on botanicals. Workshop materials & supplies (including pressed botanical items) will be provided for students to use. Students may bring in their own pressed botanical items if they so choose!

Refund Policy

Class registration fees are non-refundable unless the class is cancelled by ArtsBrookline.

Photo/Video Permission

ArtsBrookline may want to capture photos or video of the class for public marketing and documentation purposes. If you prefer to not be photographed or recorded, please let the instructor know at the beginning of the class.

Intro to Cyanotype Workshop - 6/15/25

Botanical Prints: Learn the Art of Cameraless Photography