Ever wonder what to do with that can of beets that’s been in your pantry for a decade or two? Why not make an image with it?!
Sunlight tends to fade… stuff. This is true of pigments found in flowers, fruits, vegetables, etc. – enter the anthotype printing process (basically coating paper with photosensitive plant material and contact printing in direct sunlight). How ’bout them apples (or… beets, I guess)?
Note: Different plants require various exposure times, and (unfortunately) I know of no way to permanently ‘fix’ an anthotype from further solar ‘bleaching’.
About this image: Watercolor paper coated with beet juice – contact printed with transparency in direct sunlight (approx. 35 hours +/-)
Refrigerator Magnate 
I love it! I think the flying bird in the corner is actually my favorite part. Looks great!
Thank you, Annabelle –
I’m looking forward to trying some different plants in the future. I’m not really big on the pink, but it was a fun experiment! 🙂
Whoa, this is so cool!
Thank you very much, M.J. –
I had a lot of fun with this one!
🙂
I’m glad Annabelle pointed out the bird — so subtle I almost missed it.
Inky – you continue to astound with your extraordinary talent and creativity. Who would have thought beets could produce something so exquisite?! Otherwise, I abhor them!
It is, isn’t it? Some time I should post the regular photo for comparison.
You are simply too kind, Dishy! I’m not a huge fan of beets, either (but if anyone could turn them around it would be you)! 🙂
You are too sweet. I have like 3 recipes for beets on The Daily Dish and even those I’m not that big on. Although I *did* find a recipe for Beet Raita last night at the library.. and checked it out, just in case. But I still think I’ll hate it. There’s just something about beets I cannot stand.
I don’t know what it is about beets… but they seem very polarizing. People either love them or hate them. I’m about the only person I can think of who tends to be indifferent… interesting (as far as beets go, I guess)! 🙂
Man, would I love to watch you in action!!
I’m fairly certain it would be a very scary thing to behold, Jillsy! 🙂
Great and only use for beet juice,in my opinion. 😀 Love your Beethoven drawing below!
Thank you, Mary –
I appreciate that very much! 🙂
Hey Inky, so if I covered myself in photosensitive plant material and stood out in the sun for say 35 hours I could have a damn cool tattoo?
Hahaha –
The other cool kids would be totally jealous, F.L.! Were you thinking about a sweet, sweet tribal design… or perhaps the classic elegance of an ‘I heart mom’ motif?! 🙂
Beets me 🙂
Does it attract ants??
Nope.
Just shutterbugs. *duh-dun-dun*
Sorry, I couldn’t resist. 🙂
I actually love beetroot. I can’t say I’ve seen them used like this before though. Fascinating and rather lovely.
Thanks, S.E. – my parents are beet fans, too –
I’m a bit neutral about them, really.
They do seem to be taking a ‘beeting’ in the polls so far! 🙂
Bleh! Yuck! No beets for me!!! For art projects only… never for human consumption! 😛
*om nom nom* 😉
Chemistry, photography, and nutrition. If you printed this on edible rice paper, this could be a meal!
Hahaha…
Lots of fiber in one of these, too! 🙂
Haha, it’s like you’re inventing art. I like it, it’s cool.
Thank you, Mr. J. –
I have no idea what I’m doing. But that’s all part of the fun! 🙂
u r a genius …but i suppose u already know that….this has such an omen’ish feel to it…
i know i need to stop watching horror movies
Thank you very much, Sonny – you are too kind!
We just watched paranormal activity a few days ago… maybe that had something to do with this… hmmm…
🙂
my my, how inventive…. I’ve never heard of this technique before
I wish I could take credit for the idea…
Sir John Herschel started this craze back in 1842 (at least according to Wikipedia, anyway. And Wikipedia is must be right. Right?!)
🙂
Very powerful dye in beetroot.
I have to be very careful when presenting them at work
Hahaha!
Behold… the power… of the beet! 🙂
Looks like a sleeveless T-shirt someone washed with a brand new red shirt. Just sayin’… It is a really cool looking effect
Hahaha –
that sounds like something I would do as well. Only not on purpose. 🙂