artmaterial: 02. Photogenic Drawing

Introduction:
photogenic drawing: an image created from a photogenic process which consisted of coating paper with a salt solution and then brushing on a solution of silver nitrate. The paper was then exposed to light with small objects such as leaves or lace on top of the paper. The final result was a negative image of that object. Photogenic drawings we invented by William Henry Fox Talbot in 1839.

William Henry Fox Talbot: (1800-1877) was an inventor and photographer. Talbot started by creating the photogenic drawing process and then eventually invented the calotype in 1841.

Process:
1. First we chose what paper we would use. My group decided to test out 4 different paper types: watercolor, bristol, canvas, and 100% cotton rag.
2. We coated all of the paper with the 2% salt solution and dried them completely.
3. The papers were then coated with both the 5% and 12% silver nitrate solution. All four textures of paper with 5% and then all four textures coated with 12%. Two layers of solution were applied on to all sheets, drying completely in between.
4. All 8 sheets of paper were then exposed to light. The 12% solution covered papers were exposed with step tablets. Te 5% solution covered papers with keys.
5. The papers were all exposed to the light for 5-7 minutes.
6. The images were then stabilized in a salt water solution used as a "fixer."

Experience:

Our best results were produced on Strathmore cold press watercolor paper with the 12% silver nitrate solution. The worst results came from using the 100% cotton rag paper. The experiment went well for us as a group. Once again good team work helped us get the best results of the different experiments we did. Most of the papers were coated evenly with solution which created an even tone on the paper.