Lilac, Charles Joly (Syringa vulgaris) anthotype by Suanne Peterson

“Spring Lilac” by Suanne Peterson, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
Parts used: Flowers
Amount: One handful for a 10″ x 12″ print
Extracted by: Mortar
Thinner: One teaspoon isopropyl alcohol
Application: Brushed with a hake brush

Layers: 2
Substrate: Arches Aquarelle 140 lb
Created with: I made a digital positive on Picotico from a photo I took of the lilac tree in my yard
Exposure: All day every day for 9 weeks (!) except for the very few rainy ones from May 22 – July 30, summer 2024
UV strength: An average of 8
Temperature: It has been a very hot summer, with an average temp of 28° Celsius in July and 22° Celsius in June
Humidity: Moderate
Contrast: ✿✿ (Medium)
Challenges or observations: I made two emulsions with the same plant on the same day but used two types of paper to print. The other one was on Rives BFK and only took 4 weeks. However, the colour was more of a sepia brown and there was much less contrast. I liked how this one had bluish-grey tones on the arches outside the image area where the coating was too thin. The colour is richer and it has great detail in the leaves and flowers.
Instagram: @suanne.peters
Gallery: www.AlternativePhotography.com/suanne-peterson/