Zigler_Cyan

This cyanotype is a photogram/contact print-based image called "Winter Along the Blanchard River" by Mat Marrash. Marrash experiments with all types of cameras and photographs and processes it all by hand in the darkroom. This particular piece was printed on photographic paper. Marrash used rule of thirds, framing and leading lines in this piece. He also used art elements, such as lines, shape and space. The lines of the tree branches and along the river are prevalent and act as leading lines to lead the viewers eye around each aspect of the piece. The shape of the river also does this as it seems to wrap around the piece. However, the space the river and the sky provides are a nice compliment to the busy tree branches. In addition, Marrash used the principles of balance, unity/harmony and contrast. Like previously stated, the blank space of the river balances the trees and brush that take up the majority of the piece. There is definitely a sense of unity and harmony with all of the parts working together in the piece. The trees, river, sky, branches and brush all create a sense of nature and calmness. Finally, there is also contrast with the rough texture of the trees and brush and the smooth texture of the sky and ice on the river. This cyanotype is an example of a negative-based image. This piece is called "Self-Portrait with Pinhole" and is by Christopher James. This piece was also from Maine 1994. The type of media it was printed on was blueprint. The composition techniques that James used in this piece were leading lines, level horizon and framing. He also incorporated art elements, such as line, value and form. The lines of the grass leads the viewers eyes to the main subject, also acting as leading lines. The form of the man's face is very emphasized and central, making the viewer aware that he is the main subject. There is also value with differing lightness and darkness of the tones. In addition, James incorporated design principles, such as emphasis, unity/harmony and contrast. The emphasis, is clearly put on the man's face as he is central and the leading lines lead our eyes to him. There is also harmony with the similar objects above and below the man's face (the grass and the trees). We are also able to tell that this man is sleeping in the grass, creating a sense of peace. Finally, James incorporated contrast with the different shades of value. The darkness around the edge of the grass and the man's face frame the piece as the lighter tones lie mostly in the middle of the piece and continue to the top. This cyanotype is another example of a photogram/contact print-based image called "The Astronomer" by Julia Margaret Cameron, which features Sir John Herschel, 1867. Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-1879) began her career as a photographer in 1849, centralizing her work on the ideals and allorgies investigated by the Pre-Raphaelites, a group of English painters, poets and critics. This piece is an example of her principal innovation, which was to bring the psychology of her subject into her work. This piece was printed on photographic paper as it is a photogram. In this piece, Cameron uses filling the frame, framing and rule of thirds. She also utilizes art elements with line, form and space. The lines under Herschel's eyes, as well as the lines from his hair, are used to show his psychology. The lines under his eyes show his hard work and tiredness, while the crazy and wild lines that outline his hair show how he was creative and imaginative. The line that his mouth forms into a worried frown may also suggest that he is critical and stressed. The form of Herschel's body is the main subject with his face being highlighted. The space around Herschel is used to frame and outline his face. In addition, the design principles that Cameron incorporated were emphasis, balance and contrast. The emphasis is, again, placed on Herschel himself, particularly his face. Their is a sense of balance within the piece with the darker values balancing the lighter value of his face. These light and dark values contrast each other, as well.

In this photo I used the art elements form, space and line. The form is my main subject, which is the fruit from a bush I found in the woods. The space around this fruit places emphasis on it. The lines of the trees in the background help to frame and add interest to the subject. I also used the design principles balance, emphasis and contrast. I balanced out the negative space and lighter values with the darker forms of the fruit and the tree branches. This also helped to place emphasis on the fruit as my main subject. These lighter and darker values also contrasted in the piece, adding interest. This contrast makes it a good cyanotype with the differing values. I really like this photo, however, I do worry that there is too much contrast. The detail in the fruit snd the outline provides interesting details, as well. My concept is beauty and magic found in unexpected places. To me, the fruit looks like the shape of Africa. I find that really cool and didn't even realize it until looking back and really analyzing this photo. This photo also reminds me of a darker scene from a fairytale and I think how this picture was taken with the cloudy skies in the background. Overall, I find this picture very interesting, however, I am worried that there may be too much contrast and not enough detail. In this photo I used the art elements texture, line and pattern. This picture was taken for our last unit, so I focused on capturing the texture of the bark on the tree. The lines on the bark and from the surrounding trees compliment and frame the tree. The pattern of the bark continues up the screen and the lines that make the pattern lead the viewers eyes up the tree. I also used the design principles balance, emphasis and unity/harmony. There is balance among the bottom of the tree and the top with the surrounding trees. There is also emphasis placed on the texture of the tree bark. In addition, there is unity/harmony with the trees, forming one image of nature. This would be a good cyanotype because of the differing dark and light values and there is less contrast in this photo than the other photo. This picture also focuses a lot on texture, which hopefully will be emphasized after being developed. I have always loved nature and climbing trees when I was younger. The leading lines of the pattern and texture on the tree bark lead the viewer's eyes up the tree, almost as if they're climbing the tree themselves, creating a fun and inspiring feel.