The Fix for Fixatives! Pastel Tip and Demo for using workable Fixative in a Marsh Painting

Workable Fixative! Do you use in in painting? What is your favorite brand? Mine was Blair very low odor workable fixative but I have had to find a substitute since it is no longer available. I have tried several but the fix was actually at my fingertips and already in my studio! In this video I share what I am now using for workable fixative and paint a misty marsh to put the fix to work! I hope you enjoy the video and the demo! If you would like to see more painting videos and go in depth with pastels and painting consider joining my Patreon group! Link below.
SUPPLY LIST
1. Uart 400 sanded paper 11x14 (unmounted)
2. A selection of Terry Ludwig and Diane Townsend soft form pastels
3. A few Nupastel hard pastels
4. 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol
5. Continuous spray bottle
Subscribe to my channel and Patreon Page for more pastel and painting video demos, lessons and tips!
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[@droberts276]

I love your video lessons because you have a gift of being able to teach and paint at the same time!

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad you enjoy them! I appreciate your feedback!

[@DanBuell]

You are the best instructor that I’ve seen on KZbin; thank you for all the tips! I do think you need to invest in better, studio lighting!

[@johannebeerbaum1546]

Glad you did the research for us and are sharing. This is the sign of a great teacher. Thank you.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate your comment!

[@jilld8787]

The continuous sprayer with alcohol is awesome! Alcohol is inexpensive compared to buying an aerosols fixative. KUDOS on this work around.😉 I also enjoyed the marshland tutorial. The textures you achieved are impressive. Thanks again! Outstanding!😎🎉🥰

[@flyfisherman3649]

I use Tresomme non fragrant hairspray which does an amazing job.

[@Mollygirl444]

Any other hacks you've discovered through the years? Your tips and tricks are invaluable-- keep 'em comin'!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching my videos!! I have lots more demos and tips over in my Patreon group! Patreon.com/karenmargulis

[@annehudson6208]

Karen, I love your work and all of your videos. I greatly appreciate your generosity in sharing so much information. Now, If I can only process and produce anything as beautiful as your lovely paintings. Many thanks!

[@debramoss2267]

A treasure trove of wisdom, Karen, thank you. I remember a Teacher at school 'fixing' her pastels with what I assume was water, then placing a layer of glassine paper on top and ironing it! Have you ever tried fixing with an iron? My art teachers were a lovely group of laid back hippies and frenetic eccentrics, as you may have guessed. English eccentric artists are almost a cliché, now!

[@KarenMargulis]

Sounds like something close to what Degas did with steaming his paintings. I have not tried either but I will!!

[@debramoss2267]

@@KarenMargulis oooh I didn't know this thank you, time to set up the ironing board!

[@clareschwab6113]

Karen, I really enjoy your paintings and your teaching method. Thank you!❤

[@artist_ElenaTyurina]

Wonderful and visual! I've been using alcohol spray for pastels for a long time...

[@teresaemery1339]

I always use AquaNet hairspray on all the mediums I work with. It’s great as a workable fixative.

[@thalaagdal2457]

J'adore vos cours pleins de conseils aussi généreux. Ils aboutissent toujours à de merveilleux paysage.

[@elaineyoung9672]

I just enjoy how you produce a beautiful painting out of the chaotic 'teenage' period ! I am constantly blown away how you emerge from that and create an exceptional landscape that takes my breath away!

[@hArtyTruffle]

So good to know this about the alcohol 👍🏼 Thanks Karen 🌞

[@chaddesrosiers1107]

Using a fine mist of alcohol as a fix is a great idea. I will have to give that a try. I like the idea of being able to add a few drips here and there. I have used it for underpainting but never thought to try it later. Fortune favors the bold they say. Thanks for the great idea... and I love your demo painting.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much! I appreciate your feedback!

[@jenniferlindermanart2240]

Have you used Spectrafix workable fixative? I use it frequently with pastels and it seems to have a similar effect but it does cost more than rubbing alcohol! Thank you for offering your expertise and being so generous with your knowledge!

[@robinsartsandcrafts6500]

I used it in a continuous spray bottle because the pump spatters, and I really liked it

[@ChristineCarrington]

Thank you for sharing i enjoy and have learnt a lot from your channel

[@rosaliefunk1629]

Thanks for the alcohol tip. No one does grasses better than you do. I try and try to copy your hand movements, but my grass just looks like I scribbled. Beautiful painting! 👍

[@kaygilbert8773]

Thank you for researching fixatives for us.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are welcome! I do plan to do even more research!

[@judegalbraith4215]

Love your work Karen! I'm going to give the alcohol as a fixative a try....Jude

[@leigh-annh2544]

Thanks Karen. I get so much from your lessons.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome!

[@ceceliasearles2296]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Love your work

[@florinpetcu1044]

Thank you Karen!

[@mifasola1]

Thanks!

[@suzannebracker4049]

You are marvelous!Thank you!

[@Raminakai]

Thanks for your budget friendly tips!!!! You are such a beautiful soul. So kind to share your talents.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@lindagerhard8381]

Thank you for providing an alternative to the Blair Low Odor fixative! I enjoyed the demo and seeing this solution in action.

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joycewickman3249]

Great instruction! Thanks,Karen

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching!

[@michellequinnstudios]

Love all your videos! Thank you!

[@shelleynobleart]

Absolutely clear and helpful instructional demonstration. You are truly a fine instructor, so rare.

[@minnahumble2294]

Do you ever use hairspray as a fixative? Loved your video and finished piece!

[@eileensnyder7356]

Thank you Karen. I need to practice being more expressive in my painting. I tend to be so tight that I lose the feeling that I want to convey. This painting is really helpful with that technique.

[@susanw6203]

Love your painting and the tips you bring with it! Really lovely and helpful.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks so much 😊

[@taviparker4993]

Thank you, Karen. BTW Michaels has the spray bottle.

[@JA-ed1tj]

Thank you for the info. This will also be more econimical. I alreadybhave this spray bottle.

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@kathyswearingen1509]

Love your paintings and teaching- even your 'ugly stage' paintings are beautiful! Love watching you work up the layers thank you

[@brendahicks4701]

Amazing painting. I will try to paint my version. Thank you so much❤️❤️❤️

[@brendahicks4701]

Great info thank you

[@layneh2817]

Thank you for all your help using pastels, I've been making and using a DYI version of Spectrafix, but this is such a great tip using just alcohol in the same mister I'm using. I've only been "pasteling" for just over a year and have picked up so much from your videos.🌺

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you for watching!

[@tinakirvin1097]

I’m new to your videos. I’m self taught with acrylics but your painting is grabbing me! So beautiful! Are these chalk pastels? Would I be able to use them over acrylic? I thought the fixative was the final product and I am so delighted to learn how you get those astounding layers! After a pastel painting is complete, it it given a final fixative and framed under glass?

[@dianemoss8013]

Wonderful demo!

[@valeriesnyder2670]

Thank you for an excellent lesson 😊

[@jennifermilligan8424]

I took a pastel color theory workshop class last weekend for 2 days. I noticed the degas non toxic fixative darkened one of the pieces I did and I am not happy about it. I did not even think to try regular alcohol that I use for the underpaintings and I do have the same spray bottle you have in this video so I am going to be trying this myself. thank you for sharing! I am also looking for suggestions on the best tape to use for sanded papers- I have messy edges because I used carpenters tape which didnt stick to the lux archival very well. So I have messy edging.

[@jennifermilligan8424]

Thank you for all of your content I have been following you for awhile and really learning alot from you!!

[@johnsmall4318]

Karen this is a complete FABULOUS video.. thanks for all you do!!!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@flooklh]

Thank you Karen. I too have a problem obtaining workable fixative. I'm definitely going to try the isopropyl alcohol in a fine spray bottle. Thank you for your always informative and interesting videos.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you!! I'm glad you gave this a try!!

[@tasha5246]

LOVE this painting! Lovely colors that pop, melt, and glow. Great demo and tips. Thank you.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@susankashmiri6199]

Beautiful work and thank you for sharing your talent.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much!

[@dkehlenbach]

Thanks for all these videos Karen - I am learning so much by painting along with you. I just purchased your Expressive Pastel Painting tutorial and it is terrific! I look forward to applying your techniques to interpret the photos in my photo library.

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@ellebobelly]

i love ur channel !

[@sofyashafto7171]

Thank you so much, Karen! Love your lessons! Hope to join your Patreon someday when I have more time for learning.

[@lisafroment856]

Great demo of the alternatives! Very helpful to us as beiginners

[@KarenMargulis]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!

[@dianekey4780]

Thank you so much for this tip! Your examples showed the value of a fixative which I was unaware of!

[@KarenMargulis]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@colleenbuechler6080]

Thank you for sharing your gifts and tips! I love your paintings and demos!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@debbiedavidge5566]

What is the ratio of rubbing alcohol with water to use in the continuous spray bottle or do you just use rubbing alcohol, solely, in the mister bottle. Thank you, Karen.

[@michellebuchanan6641]

Love how this turned out. Does the alcohol have to be 70%? Looking forward to learning more from you and your video lessons.😄👩‍🎨

[@caroldavis172]

Want to see more!!

[@rachelmarney7978]

Thankyou so much.Ive just bought pastels and almost gave up! Your amazing 👏 Kind regards Clementine

[@KarenMargulis]

You can do it! Thanks for watching!

[@harmonywhalan4877]

Wonderful!! I have a question, Karen... How many times during a painting can you use the fixative and then add more pastels?

[@lindaward3092]

I love your work, so inspiring. Thank you.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you so much!

[@minnahumble2294]

I really like watching your videos and I may buy some pastels. I have some questions about joining your Patreon. Will I get a list of supplies that are necessary? Should I join on the first of the month? If it is a month by month subscription, can a patron end the subscription after a few months?

[@irinafurman8541]

Thank you, Karen. Beautiful and inspiring work. I wonder what Degas used as a fixative. He worked on a very thin paper as I understand it correctly even glued paper to an original piece. He also used monotype as underpainting. Interesting to know his technique

[@KarenMargulis]

Good question and one I need to research! Thanks for watching!

[@michelemarchesani5139]

Casein based. Spectrafix makes a version. I have an old recipe book that suggests skim milk, I am sure someone's already suggested this though.

[@irinafurman8541]

@@michelemarchesani5139 I’ve heard about Spectrafix - to buy in a bottle and mix it with alcohol and use with continuous spray bottle. Will have to try

[@foqiazafar]

Amazing

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you!

[@deeanncross7674]

Beautiful painting and helpful advice. I appreciate the demos you provide on your channel. I'm never sure what determines the color for the background of a soft pastel painting. What are the deciding factors? Is there more than one possible choice? Complementary color? I understand putting in dark, medium and light values of the background color. I work primarily in watercolors and only recently purchased soft pastels. I realize this probably can't be answered in a short paragraph, but would love to be connected to a link if you have addressed this in other videos. Thanks so much.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks for watching! You have asked a great question and one that I do address over in my Patreon group. Unfortunately I have not made a KZbin video on underpainting choices. I am adding it to my list. The short answer is that there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to picking paper color or underpainting colors. Every choice will give you different results and with lots of exposure/practice your choices will be more intuitive. There is definitely more than one choice or option and the beauty of pastels is that it is easy to layer to get different effects.

[@deeanncross7674]

@@KarenMargulis Thanks, Karen for responding to my question so promptly. I surmised that the choices were often made intuitively and of course by experience. I guess pastel "thumbnails" would be a good option if you wanted to experiment with color layering over a particular background color before committing to a larger painting. Thank you for your thoughts.

[@Coco2345ful]

Wish you had new content! Love your teaching style!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks!! I've been busy this season with in person workshops. I hope to get back to creating new KZbin videos in November.

[@minnahumble2294]

Is your alcohol fixative 100 percent rubbing alcohol? No dilution with some water?

[@nadavitaljic552]

lijepi pozdrav iz hrvatske

[@lilliann3705]

Have you tried Blick’s workable fixative. I’m happy with results

[@KarenMargulis]

I have not! I will add it to my list!

[@kaal2820]

Is the water flowing towards the viewer w a dip down {line at 33 min} so the water is more still and settled around foreground?

[@KarenMargulis]

Yes that was the plan!

[@kaal2820]

@@KarenMargulis thanks. ive been watching portrait videos this was the 1st landscape video i watched. after my environment darkish apartment w north facing windows seemed more illumined.

[@LovinLnCottage]

Great tip! Did you know that you can get 90% rubbing alcohol? Dries much faster. Please do not breathe alcohol mist!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks!! Yes I have been told that it dries faster but has a higher flash point so not good for travel. Thanks for watching!

[@belladonnabeiricordi394]

Hello Karen if you sell a painting in soft pastel how do you go about the painting not getting smudged when you ship it

[@KarenMargulis]

I make a sandwich from foam core and cover the painting with glassine paper.

[@denisew9522]

Genuis!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks!!

[@valeriesnyder2670]

Karen, have you tried a stronger solution, like 99% isopropyl alcohol? (Not sure if it would damage the spray pump...)

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

I use only Krylon Fine Art Fixative. It never changes the color and is invisible.

[@KarenMargulis]

That's good to know. I actually like the darkening color change effect for certain situations in my paintings so the rubbing alcohol works for this effect.

[@cg8397]

Mrs. Margulis, I have a book from 1990 (The Pastel Handbook by Ettore Maiotti) where the author gives 2 recipes for making pastel fixative to be put in a spray bottle. I'd appreciate it very much if you would test these recipes on both coated and uncoated pastel paper. Recipe 1: Mix 1 part damar resin with 9 parts alcohol in a spray bottle, let it sit for a few days before using it. If the solution is too thick to be sprayed, add a little alcohol at a time until it appears to be the right consistency. Recipe 2: Mix 1 part matt picture varnish with 12 parts 90% white spirit in a metal bottle. The total quantity of mixture should be half the volume of the spray bottle you will use. Seal the metal bottle and let it sit for 4 days, shaking it from time to time. Then uncap the metal bottle, place it in a saucepan filled with boiling water and simmer the water on the lowest heat for 3 minutes. Be very careful because the solution is highly flammable. Let the solution cool, then filter the liquid through a piece of muslin. Then use this fixative liquid in the spray bottle.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very much for sharing these recipes. Do you know if they are considered workable fixatives or final fixatives? It seems from the ingredients to be a final fixative which will not allow reworking. Let me know if you know the answer. Thanks!

[@cg8397]

​​@@KarenMargulisI think they're workable, the author advises the pastelist to spray the fixative lightly between layers, waiting for the pastel layer to dry before going over the dried layer with more pastel. He also advises the pastelist to wear a mask when spraying. The only non-toxic recipe I know (recommended for those with allergies, pregnant women, etc.) is from the 1994 book "Pastels (Ron Ranson's Painting School Series)" by Diana Constance: Use half a teaspoon of gelatin to 2 pints (1 litre) of water, and allow the mixture to stand for a couple of hours. Then dissolve it in a double boiler and apply it with a diffuser from at least 1 ft (30 cm) away from the paper. But I don't know if this fixative is workable or not.

[@leslieharris9088]

Do you have the formula?

[@Engelhafen]

I never get a company stop making a product that they’re selling

[@kenadinedelano3660]

So Isopropyl alcohol is the solution solution.

[@robertradocha6871]

💕💯🎨🎨🎨

[@Patrick-tv6cs]

I love how you use pastels. How do you use them on canvas vs paper or is it the same.

[@KarenMargulis]

Thanks! It is the same but the texture of canvas will give you a different effect.

[@flyfisherman3649]

I use Tresomme non fragrant hairspray which does an amazing job.

[@sandrapatterson]

Thanks!

[@KarenMargulis]

Thank you very Much Sandra! Much appreciated!!