T27. Van Dyke Brown on Different Supports with Célica Véliz

In this workshop, participants will explore the Van Dyke Brown process as a warm toned contact printing technique based on iron salts and silver nitrate. Developed in the late nineteenth century under the names brown print or sepia print, the process was later associated with the painter Anthony van Dyck because of the similarity between the printed tones and his palette.The session combines historical context, chemical foundations, and hands on practice, allowing participants to understand both the technical and material aspects of the process. Work will focus mainly on watercolour paper, with additional experimentation on expired photographic paper and fabric, along with a demonstration on glass and ceramic to expand the range of possible supports.Participants will learn about the light sensitive solutions, how to prepare them, where to source materials, and the essential safety procedures. The workshop also covers digital negative preparation in Photoshop and density control for consistent results.The practical component includes surface preparation and sizing, emulsion coating, exposure under sunlight or UV light, washing, fixing, and final protection with wax. Additional tools for alternative processes, such as building a UV unit and using contact printing frames, will also be introduced to provide a complete overview of the process from negative to finished print.

Outline

1. Presentation and historical introduction to photographic printing techniques and references
2. Explanation of Van Dyke Brown chemistry and safety guidelines
3. Preparation of digital negatives in Photoshop and density considerations
4. Surface preparation and sizing (paper and fabric)
5. Emulsion coating and contact printing using sunlight or UV light
6. Washing, fixing, and finishing with wax
7. Demonstration on additional supports (glass and ceramic)
8. Final review and collective discussion