"We Ride At Dawn" is created using the same process for creating blueprints developed in 1847.  For these large works on canvas I begin with heavy weight canvas that I prepare in a variety of ways, usually with a light coat of gesso that I then sand to create a weathered texture.  Other times I treat the canvas with a bleach solution prior to exposure.  When the canvas is completely dry I coat it with the cyanotype emulsion which has to be applied in darkroom conditions.  The canvas takes several days to dry and I must make sure it does not oxidize as it's drying.  When it is ready I cover the canvas and bring it outside taking care not to expose it to sunlight.  Next I set up the bicycle and when I get the composition how I like it, I quickly remove the cover and expose the shadow of the bicycle onto the canvas.  The process can take up to ten minutes and during that time if I get a cloud, then I will not get an image since I am exposing with shadows.  After the image is fully exposed I then carefully rinse the image with water, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide, making sure I rinse it thoroughly but without washing away the details. Canvas is naturally water resistant which makes it a finicky material for this process, but to me then end result is worth it.  I love the moment of surprise when I expose the final image.  They don't always turn out, but when they do, they're beautiful!