To Fix or Not to Fix?

There has been a running debate for decades about the use of fixatives on pastel paintings. There seems to be a very strong division of opinion about the purposes and necessity of fixatives. In the following paragraphs some of those opinions will be shared. Ultimately, it is the decision of the artist and how he/she feels about the presentation of his/her artwork.

In support of the use of fixatives are the artists who deal directly with the art-buying public. These artists seem to feel that an artwork that is more stable (fixed) will stand up to possible mistreatment by the buyer. Artists give their artwork a gentle coating to help hold the particles of pigment in place so that less special handling is necessary.

A fixative can be applied several ways and for different purposes. A topcoat of fixative can be applied to better affix the pastel to the ground onto which it is painted. It can be gently sprayed in a feather-light spray over the completed artwork. But fixatives can also be applied from the back side of the drawing paper, slowly coating through the entire buildup of pastel and lightly saturating it. This is said to cause the least surface change.

Fixatives can also be used in the course of work on a pastel painting. There might be a time when the tooth of a paper is filled with previously applied pigment. In order for more color to adhere, the artist can spray a coating of workable fixative over that segment of the artwork and then continue.

On the other hand, the use of fixatives on pastels presents the possibility that the fixative may alter the pastel. There is a very real chance that the application will drastically change the colors and the "life" of the pastel. Too heavy an application can create a dull, flat look, but too light an application and the holding power is lost. Also, be aware that inhaling the mist during fixative application is dangerous. Always wear proper protection and apply in a well-ventilated area. Some artists feel a sheet of layout paper (with a slick finish) gives adequate protection to their work.

There are lots of choices, each offering benefits and challenges. But, isn't that what makes pastel artworks so intriguing?