Spectrafix--Miracle Fixative!

I seldom if ever use fixative with my pastels.  The boards that I use with pumice surface really holds the pastel without fixative.  But I have explored ways of sealing and varnishing my pastels in order to maintain the bright colors and textures without glass.  Although I was able to do so, the process was extremely imperfect:  It required much labor, lots of coats of spray varnish, much reworking, could not be done in my studio (fumes!), was weather dependent (wind! Think "New Mexico"!)

Recently, another multi-media artist, Bob Burridge, recommended using Spectrafix  casein-based fixative as a means of overcoming theses obstacles.  I just tried the Spectrafix on a small pastel (above).  I cannot see any difference in color or texture from "before" to "after"!!  I am AMAZED.  I plan to try varnishing it after it sets for a week, per one of the customer comments.  Totally no smell or fumes.  Cannot wait to try painting a pastel on canvas.  It will be great for charcoal drawings, also.  Thanks, Bob! 

Here is their website: http://spectrafix.com/index.html

PS--I am not receiving a commission from Spectrafix ;>)

Chile and Drawing

This is a partial view of a three foot tall chile that I am painting to be donated for the Hospice El Paso art fund raiser auction in early September.  What a challenge!  Since this is poppies, the working title is "Red Hot Poppers."  Get your bids in early!

Meanwhile, I am also offering an ongoing drawing class (3 hours per session), which will meet the next three weeks in July--Monday, July 16; Tuesday, July 24; and Tuesday, July 31. Classes will begin again early in September, probably on Tuesday mornings, unless there is consensus for another time.  Stay posted for times and dates.

The July classes will meet 9 a.m. to noon each session.  Cost for the three July classes is $75 plus tax, if paid in advance. Otherwise, the classes are $30 plus tax per class.  Tuition beginning in September will be $100 plus tax for 4 classes at a time when paid ahead, or $30 plus tax per class.

I will be teaching and reviewing drawing exercises and skills, and will begin to cover the basics in drawing the human face and figure when it seems appropriate to the class members.  Each class will feature skills, inspiration and application.  Join us to hone your drawing skills, gain some discipline and incentive and become the draughtsman (-woman /person?) you are meant to be!  Call to sign up today:  575-430-6148 or send me an e-mail:  sarajchambers@yahoo.com.