You may not know what fixing is? Really it is just a way of keeping your painting in good condition.
There are various thoughts on this subject. Some people use a fixative - others do not like to use one at all. Possibly with the thought that it might stop the Maybe others fix a bit at a time as they go along, but then do not fix the completed picture. As far as others go they only fix at the end.
Should you want to fix your painting without spraying, there is something you can do. A good alternative, perhaps is, to cover the painting with a sheet of cellophane paper or even tissue, then place a board on top of this and press hard. Your pressure then makes the pastel specks go more definately into the grain of your paper. Do not apply too much pressure or this could change the texture surface of your painting.
However, it is also possible to fix your painting from the back of it. This eliminates the chance of you, in actual fact, over spraying it. This does not affect your surface. Your art stays in position, because it is damp from the spray which peters through. Some of the paper you buy is very absorbent, so this is a great aid to your fixing as you are not left with skin on pastels that have not settled.
Diffusers too, are another way of doing your fixing - although sometimes you may find that these clog up. It is possible to put through thin wire after using, which then cleans them ready for the next time. Perfect fixing is not always achieved. Ideally you need to stand about 2 feet away from the painting and start spraying from the outside of the picture.
You will need a steady hand and spray backwards and forwards across your work slowly. Past the edges, but don't ever make a stop in the middle. The aim is to keep your arm moving, but you also only want a fine spray. It is horrible if the spray sticks somewhere and ends up dripping all the way down, most probably giving you nasty dark patches.
So now what happens? You have decided you want your painting to keep the bright colours, and yes, you really want to fix it. My suggestion would be to spray it on as you paint various parts. This needs to be done before you put on any last layer of colour or do any retouching. And this way it should keep its freshness.
This is a good way to alleviate colour mixing problems from earlier. When colours mix, your work can be spoilt and this is depressing and you also don't want your colours dull.
All I can advice is, do not fix the final layer of colour if you want nice fresh colour. Fixing can be a difficult process, so I can only wish you the best of luck with it!
There are various thoughts on this subject. Some people use a fixative - others do not like to use one at all. Possibly with the thought that it might stop the Maybe others fix a bit at a time as they go along, but then do not fix the completed picture. As far as others go they only fix at the end.
Should you want to fix your painting without spraying, there is something you can do. A good alternative, perhaps is, to cover the painting with a sheet of cellophane paper or even tissue, then place a board on top of this and press hard. Your pressure then makes the pastel specks go more definately into the grain of your paper. Do not apply too much pressure or this could change the texture surface of your painting.
However, it is also possible to fix your painting from the back of it. This eliminates the chance of you, in actual fact, over spraying it. This does not affect your surface. Your art stays in position, because it is damp from the spray which peters through. Some of the paper you buy is very absorbent, so this is a great aid to your fixing as you are not left with skin on pastels that have not settled.
Diffusers too, are another way of doing your fixing - although sometimes you may find that these clog up. It is possible to put through thin wire after using, which then cleans them ready for the next time. Perfect fixing is not always achieved. Ideally you need to stand about 2 feet away from the painting and start spraying from the outside of the picture.
You will need a steady hand and spray backwards and forwards across your work slowly. Past the edges, but don't ever make a stop in the middle. The aim is to keep your arm moving, but you also only want a fine spray. It is horrible if the spray sticks somewhere and ends up dripping all the way down, most probably giving you nasty dark patches.
So now what happens? You have decided you want your painting to keep the bright colours, and yes, you really want to fix it. My suggestion would be to spray it on as you paint various parts. This needs to be done before you put on any last layer of colour or do any retouching. And this way it should keep its freshness.
This is a good way to alleviate colour mixing problems from earlier. When colours mix, your work can be spoilt and this is depressing and you also don't want your colours dull.
All I can advice is, do not fix the final layer of colour if you want nice fresh colour. Fixing can be a difficult process, so I can only wish you the best of luck with it!
About the Author:
Want to find more interesting "How To" guides such as this one? Anna Meenaghan, the author of this guide and also a contemporary artist, operates a online art community where she also offers help for artists and art enthusiasts alike. As a contemporary painter I find it of vast benefit to myself. Footnote by Michael Bruckner.
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