Pastel
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? |