Do you always use fixative? What sort? The stuff they get in over here always sprays on in spots - and also darkens the drawing up.... so I never use it.

Linda Weil
www.users.bigpond.net.au/lindaweil/

Quote Do you always use fixative? What sort? The stuff they get in over here always sprays on in spots - and also darkens the drawing up.... so I never use it.

Linda, I always use Winsor & Newton's fixative for "Pastel, Charcoal & Pencil".

Spray in a number of light coats while holding your breath. I've smelled worse brands but you'll need running shoes to get away while your studio return to a normal Earth atmosphere!

Spitting can occur although I don't usually have problem with W&N. 3M made an excellent fixative but I stopped using it when they redesigned the spray head and it developed a tendency to spit. Because of that I now always place spare card at both sides of my drawing then spray onto one of these first. If it sprays evenly, I'll pass it across the drawing and back. This is repeated until I feel everything is glued into place.

I don't find that it darkens the drawing but fixative does has the added advantage of dulling the sheen of the pencil. I wonder if it is this that you are noticing? With the glare removed, it's often the first time I really get to see my drawing properly. I think of it as quite a magical moment

And a good fixative also contains a UV filter to lessen the chances of light yellowing your paper.

And I've found that the W&N fixative dries with a matt finish that restores tooth! To obtain a really dense dark tone I sometimes (as in the background of my last Cairn drawing) fix the drawing then reapply graphite to the dark areas. The fixative supplies enough additional key to support more graphite. Then a top-coat of fixative stops it from dropping off again

And (this is the AND, honest!) when you've used your fixative be sure to invert the can and spray until only propellant can be seen. This will keep the spray head clear and prevent spitting next time.

MIKE

www.SibleyFineArt.com
www.Starving-Artists.net

Quote Another thing Mike I wanted to ask before I ever work on another dog is how do you pick up the wet glassy look around the mouth when the jaws are hanging open such as in this pic?

I treat them the same way as I treat all highlights such as those in the eyes.

I identify them very early on, before drawing begins, and probably mark them mentally as being key features. If the surrounding areas are rather too pale to give the highlights a kick then I'll work out a way of artificially darkening them.

They need to be kept sharp and clean - and don't use highlights anywhere else of the same intensity. Highlights in the hair can be gently toned down with a light application of a hard grade - usually 4H does it for me.

I can't find an example of what I'm trying to say... but this Bernese Mountain Dog might help. The highlight emphasis was designed to promote the eye and the nose, but with the eye having priority. The nose highlight is still sharp and bright but not as "pure" white as the eye highlight. The gum reflections were deliberately played down here - not good for sales to squeamish buyers!

MIKE

www.SibleyFineArt.com
www.Starving-Artists.net

Mike thank you for the feedback and the pic I think I get the idea now if I can just apply it to my next pic.I can see by the picture where I have made my mistakes and really appreciate all of your advice....now I just have to practice...practice ...practice.
vickie

Quote .I think Mike answered the fixative issue alot better than I could have.If it is a pretty day I go outside to spray though.

Thanks Mike and Vickie - I will try and find some Windsor Newton fixative here - I am sure it is available if I look! I've tried various 'generic' artstore type ones and been disappointed. Yes Vickie - I will make sure to go outside, my lungs will appreciate it.

Linda Weil
www.users.bigpond.net.au/lindaweil/