Solar Art: Nature Sun Prints
the art room and STEAM LABS
Step into the sunshine to harness the power of the sun! We use special cyanotype paper and natural objects like leaves or lace to create striking white-on-blue “photographs.” This class teaches kids about light sensitivity and the history of early photography through chemical reactions. Watching the paper change color in a simple water bath is a magical moment that feels like a real laboratory experiment. It’s a beautiful way to connect art, nature, and the science of the environment.
What We’ll Do in Class
Beyond the visual wonder, this process is a masterclass in STEAM-based observation, challenging students to analyze how UV intensity and exposure time dictate the deep ‘Prussian Blue’ of the final print. This interaction with the environment provides a unique form of sensory neuro-stimulation, as the shift from the bright, tactile outdoors to the cool, calming water bath helps regulate the nervous system. By following the scientific method—hypothesizing how shadows will form and testing the sun’s power—children develop spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills. It’s a grounding experience that proves science isn’t just found in a lab, but is a living, breathing part of the world around them.
OUR STUDIO MATERIALS
At our studio, we believe every artist needs the right foundation to grow. We provide recycled white craft paper for bold experimentation and ‘practice runs,’ allowing kids to play without the fear of wasting ‘good’ paper. For their final masterpieces, students graduate to heavyweight mixed media paper that holds pigment beautifully and won’t buckle under ink. We use high-quality, student-safe inks that provide rich color without the toxic fumes of traditional solvents. This balanced approach keeps our classes accessible while ensuring the final results are something your child will be proud to hang on the wall.
