WORKSHOP: Intro to Tri-Color Gum Bichromate Printing

Cyanotype Intensive with Sean McFarland
Faculty: Sean McFarland
April 26 – 27, 2025 | Saturday & Sunday 12:30-5:30pm
$320

In this intensive two-day hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to print using the 19th-century photographic process of tri-color gum bichromate, using CMYK color separation digital negatives. Participants will experiment with layering color combinations using watercolor pigments and a UV light-sensitive solution to achieve a full CMYK color print. Participants will be asked to bring a selection of possible images to work on ahead of the workshop. At the end of this workshop, participants will walk away with foundational knowledge of gum bichromate printing workflow, emulsion ratios, coating methods, and the embrace of imperfections.

Topics we will cover include:

• Selecting suitable images for this particular process
• Preparing digital negatives using CMYK separation
• Paper selection
• Choosing pigments and other necessary materials
• Gum bichromate workflow
• Emulsion ratios and coating methods
• Exposing and developing using a contact printing method

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Image © Aunna Moriarty