Grape, riverbank (Vitis riparia) anthotype by Ingrid Forster

“Wild Grapevine” by Ingrid Forster, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Parts used: The grape
Amount: ½ cup for each print
Extracted by: Mortar and pestle
Solvent: Distilled water (about 1 tbsp for every ½ cup of grapes)
Application: Brushing

Layers: 2
Substrate: Canson Watercolour paper, cold pressed, 300 gsm
Created with: Photogram made using pressed riverbank grape vine leaves
Exposure: 6-8 hours per day over 2 weeks in October, fall 2025
Temperature: 12-20° Celsius or 54-68° Fahrenheit
Humidity: 72% (average)
Contrast: ✿✿✿ (High)
Challenges or observations: Grapes picked in early fall produced a richer pigment than those from September – ripeness makes a big difference. Two generous coats applied with long, even strokes from a wide, soft brush worked best, with 3–4 hours drying time between coats. Thick watercolour paper handled the heavy emulsion well. When dry, the pigment forms a deep purple and creates high-contrast prints.
Additional information: Riverbank Grape closely resembles the toxic Canada Moonseed. Always confirm identification. The most distinguishing factor between the two plants is its seeds: Riverbank Grape will have between 1 and 6 egg or pear-shaped seeds, while Moonseed will have one crescent moon-shaped seed.
Instagram: @ingridforsterphotography
Website: www.ingridforsterphotography.com