This BobBlast is to remind you how and why to use varnish! Let me start by saying that I varnish EVERYTHING… yes - even my watercolors, pastels, charcoal drawing and inks.
In this BobBlast, I concentrate on "Spray Fixatives" for these delicate surfaces. If I brushed on a liquid water-based final varnish, it could be ruined by "re-wetting" the water-based paints - they start to bleed and smear. Note: Pastels and charcoals should never be touched again once they are finished.
Well… here is a solution! A Spray Fixative with casein (milk without whey). Casein historically has been used to seal paintings for hundreds of years - famously, the Sistine Chapel ceiling (and have you seen it lately?). Casin is a milk protein, non-toxic and considered archival. It does not turn yellow - it's not an oil.
I use this same fixative - now packaged as a convenient spray, by SpectraFix. SpectraFix casein spray fixative dispenses a very fine mist. I lightly spray layers, allowing each layer to completely dry before spraying again. Apply as many light layers as you want. Be patient! It's best to spray the fixative when your artwork is completely dry so it will not puddle.
I use SpectraFix for watercolor, pastel and charcoal. This works for me!
Want more info on Varnishes and Mediums?
We have an Online Monthly Demo Coming Up!
•November 14, 2022
“Varnishes & Mediums”
Monday • 9:00-10:30am PT
Art Marketing • From Hobbyist to Professional
•September 27 through October 25
•5 consecutive Tuesdays
Sponsored by the West Business Development Center
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Join Bob in Mexico! • January 21-28, 2023
Casa de Los Artistas - Boca de Tomatlán
Contact Robert Masla, (413) 625-8382
Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
Studio Mentor - November 10-13, 2022
Studio Mentor • 5 Day Instructional • 4 Day Figure Painting Workshops
2023 Studio Workshop Schedule Ready for You!
Online Workshops - Paint with BOB!
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting - September 24-25, 2022
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and…
•Non-Objective Abstract Painting & Collage - Oct 1-2, 2022
•Drawing & Painting the Figure with Motion and Emotion - Nov 15-18, 2022
•Making & Using Neutral Colors in your Paintings - Dec 2-3, 2022
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•October 12, 2022
“Where, Why & How to Put the WOW in your Paintings”
•November 14, 2022
“Varnishes & Mediums”
•December 13, 2022
“Painting a Wine Bottle with 3 Strokes”
Online Abstract Figure Workshop
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•October 14-16, 2022
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Something New for You! • Burridge Critiques Your Art
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Burridge Available ArtWork - For sale on our website!
Bob's been busy! Lots of new work! And the SOPs are back!
