RE: John Dugdale

Date view Thread view Subject view Author view

From: Judy Seigel (jseigel@panix.com)
Date: 01/13/02-10:35:18 PM Z


On Sun, 13 Jan 2002, Don Bryant wrote:
> Thanks Judy, I have that issue of Post Factory only it is packed away
> for a while so I couldn't refer to the article again. I knew you would
> be almost sure to reply. Thanks for coming through for me.
>
> While viewing the prints I suspected that he may be double coating with
> the traditional cyanotype formula since they were not as contrasty in
> the highlight areas as I might expect; similar in some ways to the
> appearance of Ware formula prints, at least for me. I haven't double
> coated with the TC formula, I'll want to try that.

I've never used the Ware formula, and know I shouldn't accept hearsay...
but many users do agree that double coating is the equivalent, in D-max if
not in scale. Though just to complicate matters... on some papers double
coating wipes emulsion off instead of adding it. That's generally on a
slick, hard paper, which won't absorb any more. You've got to test. (Tho
the Ware formula is, I understand, VERY finicky about paper, so it could
be, so to speak, a wash.)

> >He also printed a couple of shows of very beautiful toned cyanotypes,
> the formula in that issue as well, starting with the sodium carb, then
> in the tannic.
>
> Looks like may need to fish that issue out of storage now.

Of course I never boast, but I cannot tell a lie: I got an offlist e-mail
said you'd made a big mistake, because, "I keep WJPFP in my office with
ALL of my > photo reference materials for quick reference...no more than
arms reach (but> out of harms reach...unless I were a Cockney)."

I keep mine in what used to be a living room.

As for toning, I've been doing a lot of (too many) tests (one test is like
one potato chip) and found out some things strange and stranger. The
toning, even with just tannic & sodium carb, has infinite variations...
and complex variables, missed by many/most books in print (except I think
James's TBOAPP). Gorgeous color, or so it seems small. The old books (19th
century) either go overboard with all kinds of toners or dismiss
possibility entirely. But, probably, their chemicals were erratic, and
their instruments imprecise. I think the variables can be controlled.
Probably. The archivality is good as far as I know... Or let's say, I
never saw strange white streak in a toned cyano like the one appeared on
that weird kalli.

Judy


Date view Thread view Subject view Author view

This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : 02/15/02-11:47:41 AM Z CST