Cyanotype Blue - a Magic Story part one
Blue is the world’s favourite colour - something I didn’t know until recently - despite my 25 and more years of research into Colour Psychology - I’d been busy researching the effects of the various shades of blue. It is a colour that has both a rich history and a global favourite.
I’ve asked a lot of children over the years what they think of when they think of the colour blue - the sky and the sea
Producing Cyanotype prints can be so much more than just the gorgeous, deep rich blue that we associate with this historic photographic process. I love to find the pale turquoises, the delicate sky blues and more. These can all be toned with botanic teas, but that’s for another day…
I’ve asked a lot of children over the years what they think of when they think of the colour blue - the sky and the sea. The sky is not really blue, rather it is made from blue light simply bouncing off dust and water particles in the air. As the light is scattered in all directions we appear to see blue sky. But when we use the term blue sky to describe higher thinking, we are referring it to this endless colour above us.
Back in 2001 Tara Hanrahan researched Sky Blue: Colour Match - the true colour of sky using a spectrophotometer at the RCA to gain her MA, where she made a series of shade cards from the colour of the sky.
Blue is calming, the colour known for relaxation and lowered blood pressure. Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness and relaxation and its often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly. Blue is seen as a sign of stability and reliability. Shades of blue - we seem to look to nature when we name our colours - sky, peacock, teal, delphinium, hyacinth, bluebell
In Part two, I’m going to write a little social history of the colour blue…
IN THE MEANTIME…
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UK based Photographic artist Julie Davenport creates calm Cyanotype art for your homes. Join Julie’s online art classes to learn the techniques for yourself.
Hi I’m Julie - Graphic Artist, nature lover, lifelong maker and inspired by the beauty and resilience of Mother Nature. I make Fine Art Botanical Cyanotype prints and Mixed Media artworks using Cyanotype. I also make Silver Prints from my large and medium format cameras. I have a fundamental need to create.
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If you would like some 1:1 time with me, then welcome… Through my own education in Fine Art, Graphic Design and Photography, I share my unique blend of creativity with my community - whether you need help with off screen processes or on screen design, I’m here. 1:1 MENTORING FOR CREATIVES