You Won't Believe What This Fixative Does To Pastel Paintings!

I was shocked when I first tried this fixative made by Sennelier. Is this a solution to being able to "fix" pastel artwork? We will see! 🤗 🌼
NOTE: Go to about five minutes into the video where you will see  the results of the fixative application.
For this demo, I used unsanded pastel paper (Canson MiTientes). I was able to achieve multiple layers, but helped the process along a bit by using fixative during the working stages.
Have fun artists! And let me know what you think in the comments! 😊
Products in this lesson:
Canson MiTientes Earth Tones Pad: amzn.to/46gaKkj
Girault Pastels (as seen on Dakota Pastels site): www.dakotapastels.com/products/
GiraultElizabeth Mowry Set of Girualt Pastels (pretty expensive, but a great set): www.dakotapastels.com/product...
Sennelier Latour Fixative: amzn.to/3PmaoCt
Reference Image from Unsplash.com: unsplash.com/photos/X0flzW2kaIo
If you recreate from this tutorial and share on social media platforms, please be sure to mention this video and tag me. I love to see your work! You can tag me on Instagram @susanjenkinsartist and on Facebook @TheArtofSusanJenkins
▽ My AMAZON Shop / (for Many Products Featured in Videos) 👇
➞ www.amazon.com/shop/monetcafe...
(I earn money from qualifying purchases at no cost to you)
▽ My Patreon Page 👇
➞ / susanjenkins
▽ My Etsy Shop 👇
➞ www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtofSus...
▽ Visit my Website 👇
➞ www.susanjenkinsfineart.com
▽ My Instagram Link 👇
➞ / susanjenkinsartist
▽ My Facebook Page 👇
➞ / theartofsusanjenkins
▽ Facebook Group 👇"Monet Cafe' Art Group"
➞ / monetcafeartgroup
▽ Monet Cafe' Art Store (with Fun Tee Shirts and More) 👇
➞ monet-cafe-art-store.creator-...
#pastelpainting #pastelpaintingtutorial #painting tutorial #pastelpainting #pastelpaintingtutorial #paintinglessons

[@monetcafe]

I'm really excited to use this fixative! I'll have another video coming soon where I compare multiple fixatives! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. :)

[@brendahutchinson5830]

I’m a new fan. You are so knowledgeable and informative. I appreciate your generosity and willingness to share your knowledge. God bless you too.

[@monetcafe]

Praise Jesus! Thanks @brendahutchinson5830! I can't help but shout praises to my Savior! Thank you for your sweet comment! I appreciate you! Thanks for the support and watching!

[@mcarolangouffray]

Love the Sennelier Paris collection

[@KathleenRenninger]

Thanks as always for this info-filled video. Glad to know you feel that good results can be achieved on pastel paper. Pastel board is just not in my budget. Will look for the fixative showdown video.

[@carolhestand2561]

Painting is my main hobby. Collecting arts supplies is my other hobby😊

[@1DaTJo]

Loll mine too. So addictive!

[@monetcafe]

Mine too!😂😂😂👍🏻❤️

[@Sarita-ci9wc]

Me too. I go to Cheap Joe's Art Stuff .Gaze for hours before making my purchase❤

[@Blick_Art]

We're really glad you discovered that fixative! A good fixative can control loose dust and prevent it from depositing on the underside of framing glass without darkening colors. Some artists really saturate their pastels, thinking the goal is to prevent smudging, but most of the time the minimum effective amount is all that's needed. Great video with lots of good information- love it!

[@monetcafe]

Thanks so much! I buy your products all the time, and I gift them to my patrons on my Patreon page. By the way, I have a video coming soon, where I will do a comparison between four different fixatives. I am a Dick, Blick affiliate, and I’ll be sure to share all of the links in my video description. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any video ideas and perhaps we could work together.

[@JCcreates927]

I have the Paris collection now I need to use them. Wow you've been doing this for a while then. KZbin started in 2005.

[@3698s]

Enjoyed your demo! I agree with you that pastel is addictive, I paint on Canson and love the paper & variety of colors. I have been using Spectrafix to allow me to build up more layers. Unfortunately, the pump spray bottle can spurt & drip but it dries clear. Nice product with no odor! Elizabeth Mowry was also one of my favorite pastel artists. I have all of her books.

[@debbiegreen6173]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR POSTING.

[@patricegianaca8047]

I love all the information you share.

[@rhondaadams4013]

That's a very pretty piece of work for pastels! Beautiful!

[@ellymeerleveldt614]

Awesome painting Susan thank you so much for sharing👌.

[@monetcafe]

My pleasure 😊 This was fun. And, I have another lesson coming soon comparing multiple fixatives.

[@rosaliefunk1629]

I’m curious. If the spray fixative did not change your pastel colors, why didn’t you spray the finished painting? Thank you. You inspire many. ❤️

[@monetcafe]

That’s a great question Rosalie… I’ve actually done another experiment and I will be sharing a video with the results. I was a little afraid to spray that final painting without doing another test.

[@sueaberle935]

Love your studio and what a great video! Thank you for sharing.

[@monetcafe]

You are so welcome!

[@susankashmiri6199]

Always a pleasure watching your tutorials. I always learn something new and wonderful, thank you.

[@kerry5586]

Love that old cabinet! I use old tea trolleys on wheels: one with my watercolour, one with pastels, one with drawing, and then just pull them across the room when I want to work with one of them.

[@monetcafe]

That sounds awesome Kerry… I love repurposing old things.

[@kaursukh6634]

I love your artworks.

[@PatriciaLiittschwager]

Great suggestions!

[@b.comeau2597]

Stunning! I am so inspired!

[@monetcafe]

Awesome @b.comeau2597, I appreciate that so much!

[@maggiecasner9010]

I’ve been using this fixative for almost 2 years. I do a lot of animal commissions and I have always loved it! And Clairfontaine Pastelmat gives you LOTS of layers with pastels. (I use mostly Unison pastels) Maggie

[@monetcafe]

Awesome, Maggie. And I LOVE Pastelmat!

[@terrierose5917]

Such a neat, and well organized studio, an artists dream !

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much! I have to be super neat because my workspace is pretty small. I’m super grateful though, because I remember when all I had was my kitchen table to work at.

[@keikiokaaina1951]

Always interesting to watch your videos--your style is so free and lovely--I tend to be WAY too detailed and want to learn to loosen up! Thanks for sharing this!

[@reneekroyer5104]

Hey Susan, just wanted to let you know, I tried some cheap hairspray from the dollar store for getting some texture on my Canson paper and it worked pretty well. I was shocked. lol And I only paid $1 for it. Well, now it is $1.24 -- I guess inflation has hit even the dollar stores. lol Loved this video, thanks.

[@monetcafe]

That’s awesome Renee… I’ve heard others mentioned that and I’ve never tried it. I’ll have to give it a go!

[@treelinktree]

Didn't even finish video... hah hah yet already commenting. Our studios are similar! Yes, reorganizing had taken me about a week, until I got the small space (i have) how I wanted and plenty of open shelving. I Love that you videoed your studio! ...now back to the fixitive painting. 😊

[@monetcafe]

That is awesome! Sound like you like order like me. It really helps when working in a small studio like mine. :)

[@tinaweywadt2230]

Ej hvor er det virkelig pænt og ordentligt.! 😍 Tak for at dele..!

[@christieclark8238]

I am so inspired to seriously try pastel painting. I really appreciate your tutorials and all the tips and techniques along the way. Ive watched several other pastel artists whos work is really beautiful too however they do not give enough true instruction along the way for us newbies as to why their doing things. Im a 71 yr old trained oil painter from the 70s/ 80s .just now picking my art back up and trying new mediums acrylic painting and pastels. Love them all including collage. However i have a feeling pastels make take center stage as i can no longer spend hrs at a time standing or sitting due to arthritis in back. The ability of being able to produce a piece of art thats so pretty in such a short time is exciting to me. Thank you susan for your beautiful art and videos. And as a christian really appreciate your christian input as well. GOD BLESS !

[@monetcafe]

Hi, @christieclark8238. This is so sweet to hear! Thank you so much, sweetheart! I just LOVE pastels. Their vibrancy and versatility are AMAZING! I'm sorry to hear of your back problems. I'm so happy to hear you're picking art back up though! Bless you sweetheart! Here is a list in my Amazon Shop of some pastel painting products I recommend for beginner pastel artists. Happy painting! www.amazon.com/shop/monetcafewithartistsusanjenkins/list/2NY2AMTL7D050?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_list_d

[@donnavissa]

I'm envious of your studio

[@monetcafe]

🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤, @donnavissa

[@NATUREDRAWINGS]

Interesting , thanks. Some very useful information and an equally useful demonstration.

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @NATUREDRAWINGS! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@walterbernard2327]

Fantastic work! Reflect perfectly the beauty of yourself... Would be interesting if you try a homemade fixative spray with 30% of white glue for wood and 70% of water. Will reach a good result to get some extra layers on proper paper. Thanks a lot Susan!

[@monetcafe]

Wow, how interesting… I think I’ll have to try your concoction! Thanks so much!

[@nirmalajetty6426]

Just ordered from ur link! Ty

[@monetcafe]

Awesome!!☺️👏

[@DiRidpath]

This is wonderful information to know. I never use fixative because of the negative effects of the ones I have.

[@monetcafe]

Thanks so much… I have another video coming real soon where I do a lot of comparisons between different fixatives. I think you’ll like it.

[@1DaTJo]

@@monetcafelooking forward to it Susan ❤

[@ruthmaier755]

Paris Sennelier 120 half sticks is on Jerry’s Artarama for 112. Most times!

[@monetcafe]

Yay!!! Love this set! Such a great value. thanks for sharing!!!

[@kstutz230]

$124 now.

[@1DaTJo]

@@monetcafemy favourite set too. Pity Jerry’s doesn’t ship to Australia. I had to pay $214 AUD for mine. Our exchange rate isn’t good though!

[@lesyashulga9341]

Wow! Its really cool to have a workshop. My living room is my bedroom and my working zone as well 😁. I love your works. They are deep and clear. I realise that you have a great talent. And high choice of materials results on the final version. I don't have any art education. But I have been drawing and painting all my life. Professional materials are expensive, so I buy them occasionally, sometimes piece by piece. And mix colours to get new ones. I draw on a board fixing paper on it. Now I can sit for a short time, but almost all of my last year works have been draw in a bed. I shared the video on my Facebook page where I drew a picture laying in the bed. I like watching your videos because I got great inspiration and some new knowledge. Thanks for your tutorial videos.

[@monetcafe]

Thanks so much Lesya. My studio is actually just a bedroom in my home and I’m certainly thankful to have it. It’s not that big, but my camera makes it look a little bit more roomy. I’m so glad you have Art to help you through life‘s challenges. Sometimes we just have to press on and painting can sometimes get us through some dark moments. Keep that hopeful positive attitude, sweetheart and I pray that you and your family can be at peace.

[@lesyashulga9341]

@@monetcafe Thanks for your attitude and willingness to teach people.

[@loredanavacca8587]

Grazie! ❤️

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much, @loredanavacca8587! I'm so glad you liked it! Happy Painting!

[@alanthornton3530]

I've enjoyed using Canson MiTientes paper for my work, this was in the days before sanded papers! I was taught to use small amounts of fixative on passages I needed to work over but leave the last layers unfixed it helps to keep the vibrancy of the colours. I have to say that Sennelier fixative looks a pretty good product as you couldn't see any darkening at all. A small tip for you, you haven't any fixative to hand & you're working on a practice piece you can at a push use unscented hairspray. I always go outdoors whenever I spray, it's not good for the lungs!! An excellent painting Susan thank you, I'm looking forward to your next video :)

[@monetcafe]

I so appreciate that information! And that’s pretty much how I work with fixative normally… Spraying it a bit during the working process, but never at the end. And I’ve heard about the trick with hairspray, but I’ve never tried it. Probably because I never use hairspray… But maybe I need to buy some! Thanks again! I really appreciate your information.

[@alanthornton3530]

@@monetcafe Regarding the longevity of hairspray long term is a bit unknown? The hairspray tip I was told about after running out of fixative one weekend, it's always when the shops are shut ha! ha! lesson learned! I've used hairspray on practice charcoal drawings but I would never use it on a pastel painting that I was going to sell!!

[@twiddowson]

Your paintings are gorgeous, and I love you r studio ! Can you please tell me where you got your adjustable table?

[@monetcafe]

Thank you so much! My adjustable table is one I got on Amazon from a company called Flexispoot . I’ve been really happy with it.

[@jillcherrick3113]

Hi Susan. Loving your work space. I looked through all the comments on this page to make sure you didnt already get this question. I didnt see it also you didnt mention it in materials list. Your desk that your Easel sets on. Can you please tell me the brand. Im looking for a good and hopefully affordable hight adjustable table. Thanks again for all your time in making these videos for us. May your day be blessed with God's peace ❤😊 Jill C. Huachuca Arizona

[@monetcafe]

Hi Jill, thanks for that sweet message. The desk is from Flexispot. I actually have a video featuring that desk. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3O6pZywgrGjq68si=fRsrP8BmSo9aGVd2

[@jillcherrick3113]

@monetcafe Hey Susan, thank you for the desk info. Unfortunately the link you gave me is for the honey love bra commercial. I let it play all the way through just to make sure your video didn't come on after the commercial but it's only the commercial. But I went to the site flexispot. It's exactly what I'm looking for. Maybe I get a new desk for Christmas? Thank you for the info. Have a very blessed day. Jill C. Huachuca Arizona

[@ros1520]

Grumbacher final fixative and workable fixative is good but does darken

[@marytesta3003]

Do you like the Sennelier fixative? I've been tempted to order some but I know Susan said it changes/darkens the color in previous videos.

[@monetcafe]

Hi Mary, yes, I am really liking the Sennelier LaTour fixative. It's one of the best I've seen for not darkening the image. However, I still will probably not spray a final painting (unless it's just a very light coat to set the pastel a bit). I have a full video review of different fixatives coming soon!

[@joeswampdawghenry]

Mersei madame

[@marleytc2003]

I dont't understand...you do not usei fixative in this painting?

[@monetcafe]

Hi @marleytc2003, I never spray a fixative on a soft pastel painting since it always darkens the final image. To protect my final painting for shipping or storing, I place them in a clear plastic bag I get from www.clearbags.com/bags/flat/flap-tape/crystal-clear. I buy the bags a bit larger than standard sizes so I will have room for the painting and a piece of foamcore board cut to the size of the painting. Here is a video of my process:kzbin.info/www/bejne/aomnZYabr6useMk&t=209s

[@marleytc2003]

@@monetcafe thank you very much :)

[@monetcafe]

Also, yes of course. I'm sorry. In this video I am using fixative, but personally, I don't for the finished piece. This was to demonstrate for those that do! I do however, use fixative during the process, as a way to add layers!! I hope this helps... And makes sense! Haha. Happy painting, sweetheart!

[@mikeh7935]

Why did you title the KZbin watch what the fixative does, and then not use the fixative? Otherwise, great video!

[@monetcafe]

I guess my fixative application was pretty subtle within the video. If you go to five minutes into the video, you can see where I show the fixative and use it. I actually took it outside to spray it because I didn’t want to breathing in my studio. When I brought it back in, you can see that it didn’t even darken the painting! I was so impressed and I was able to get quite a bit more layering after spraying it. I have a new video coming very soon where I do more testing with this fixative and compare it to others. I think you’ll find that one educational and helpful. Thanks so much for your comment, Mike!

[@mikeh7935]

Thanks. I guess I just missed that. Happy painting! ❤️

[@supraphonic8143]

Title is misleading. Where is the part about fixatives?

[@monetcafe]

It's within the video.... I later shared a full video testing multiple fixatives. sorry about that.