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  • #484117
    Bartc
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        I’ve done reasonably well these days with Spectrafix Degas, but still have some tendency to overdo it at times, which does darken the colors a bit. When done right, works fine and no toxic fumes.

        Here’s my latest. Amped up view at Newark Slough in Newark, CA on the SF Bay. 9×12″ Sennelier soft pastel on dark green Pastelmat:

        #948598
        water girl
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            First of all, it was a great choice in paper color. The complimentary color peeks through here and there and makes the little red building pop. I have not had good luck with fixative, but it appears not to have diminished the colors at all.

            [FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Karen, IAPS/MC, PSA WC Moderator-Pastels

            web site , Getting started in soft pastels., What you need to know, Critique Guide Lines

            #948597
            Donna T
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                I agree with Karen and will add that I admire your bold strokes of color! The turquoise blue color of the distant mountain is just gorgeous. I like Spectra Fix, especially because I can’t stand any fumes. I haven’t noticed any darkening of colors but I am very cautious about how much I apply, except for when I want to loosen up then I spray it until it makes the pastel drip and run.

                Donna
                C&C Always Welcome

                #948602
                Bartc
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                    Thanks for the compliments!

                    #948599
                    franglais
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                        Love the rich, vibrant colors you used here, Bart, and they don’t seem to have been affected by the SpectraFix. Did you get a misting bottle of some type to use to spray your SpectraFix? The pump bottle it comes in often made splatters. I bought a Florasol bottle on Amazon and that really helps a lot.

                        Mike

                        #948603
                        Bartc
                        Default

                            Love the rich, vibrant colors you used here, Bart, and they don’t seem to have been affected by the SpectraFix. Did you get a misting bottle of some type to use to spray your SpectraFix? The pump bottle it comes in often made splatters. I bought a Florasol bottle on Amazon and that really helps a lot.

                            Mike

                            Yes, I got a good misting bottle, which is an improvement. But spraying outdoors in the wind doesn’t make for the ease and even-ness of doing so indoors. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

                            #948600
                            franglais
                            Default

                                The advantage of SpectraFix is that is “all natural” and doesn’t have to be sprayed outside. No risk. :) I also lay my paintings flat and spray across them and let the spray fall down onto the painting.
                                Best wishes!
                                Mike

                                #948604
                                Bartc
                                Default

                                    The advantage of SpectraFix is that is “all natural” and doesn’t have to be sprayed outside. No risk. :) I also lay my paintings flat and spray across them and let the spray fall down onto the painting.
                                    Best wishes!
                                    Mike

                                    Agreed, but in this instance painting outside and seeking a half useful shelter from some brisk wind, defeated some of those techniques. So I ended up overdoing it, IMO.

                                    I paint en plein air, rarely inside. Then need to handle, transport and share my work out there (or in a local restaurant) with my painting pals. So the controlled conditions indoor to spray aren’t what I can usually start with out in the field.

                                    When I can wait to get it home safely, I have no trouble following your format for fixing.

                                    #948601

                                    Bold colors are my favorite. Very nice work.
                                    I use UART for the tooth and don’t need to fix. But i can see how with other non-toothy papers you might need to fix.

                                    Best.

                                    Annette Bárcenas O.
                                    Instagram: @annettebarcenasdemadrid
                                    www.abarcenas.com
                                    "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way... things I had no words for". - G. O'Keeffe

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