Workable fixative

Definition

Workable fixative is a type of spray used to stabilize and protect drawings, especially those made with charcoal, pastels, or graphite. It allows artists to preserve their work without smudging while still enabling further manipulation or layering of materials. This fixative creates a barrier that holds the particles in place, preventing them from smearing while maintaining the ability to add more layers on top of it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Workable fixative is essential for charcoal drawings because it prevents smudging while still allowing additional layers to be applied.
2. Unlike final fixatives, workable fixative does not completely seal the surface; it maintains some level of tackiness for further work.
3. When applying workable fixative, it is important to use it in light coats to avoid saturating the paper and altering the color of the artwork.
4. It can also help to enhance the contrast in charcoal drawings by slightly darkening the tones after application.
5. Workable fixative is typically available in aerosol cans, making it easy to apply evenly across the surface of the artwork.

Review Questions

• How does workable fixative contribute to the overall process of creating a charcoal drawing?
  • Workable fixative plays a crucial role in creating charcoal drawings by stabilizing the medium without permanently sealing it. By applying workable fixative, artists can prevent smudging and maintain their artwork's integrity while still being able to add more layers or details. This allows for greater flexibility during the drawing process, as artists can achieve depth and complexity in their work without worrying about ruining previous marks.
• What are some best practices for applying workable fixative to ensure optimal results when working with charcoal?
  • To achieve the best results with workable fixative, artists should apply it in light, even coats from a distance of about 12 inches away from the artwork. This prevents oversaturation and preserves the color integrity of the charcoal. It's also important to allow each layer of fixative to dry before adding more materials on top. Testing on scrap paper can help gauge how the fixative will interact with the specific type of charcoal or paper being used.
• Evaluate the differences between workable fixative and final fixative and how each impacts the longevity and appearance of charcoal artwork.
  • Workable fixative and final fixative serve distinct purposes in preserving charcoal artwork. Workable fixative allows artists to continue working on their pieces by providing a temporary barrier that stabilizes existing marks while remaining somewhat tacky for additional layering. In contrast, final fixative creates a permanent seal that locks the artwork in place but does not allow for further manipulation. While both types protect against smudging, workable fixative enables more artistic freedom during the creative process, whereas final fixative is intended for completed works to ensure their longevity and preservation.

Related terms

charcoal:

A medium made from carbonized wood used for drawing that produces rich, dark marks and is easily blendable.

pastel:

A stick of pure powdered pigment mixed with a binder, known for its soft texture and vibrant colors, often used in drawing.

fixative: A general term for sprays that help secure various art materials onto a surface, ensuring longevity and preventing smudging.