Canvas Bicycle Gears Cyanotype

Normally I create my cyanotype artworks using watercolor paper. The watercolor paper soaks in the cyanotype liquid and creates a good resulting image. However, mounted canvas can also work. If you use canvas in its ‘traditional’ starting state – which has a layer of gesso on it – the cyanotype liquid stains lightly, creating a soft image.

With this 12-inch square of canvas, I applied the cyanotype liquid directly to that gessoed surface. The image is much lighter / softer than what would happen with watercolor paper. I used a collection of bicycle gears to create the image.