Setting soft pastels typically refers to the process of applying a fixative to the artwork to prevent smudging and preserve the drawing. One way to make a fixative that can help set soft pastels involves using gum tragacanth and water.
Creating a Gum Tragacanth Fixative
Based on the provided information, a simple fixative can be prepared using a specific ratio of gum tragacanth and water.
Here's how to make this solution:
- Measure Ingredients: You will need 1 part gum tragacanth and 30 parts water.
- Combine and Mix: In your glass jar, place 1 part gum tragacanth to 30 parts water. Mix them together until the gum tragacanth is fully dissolved. This might take some effort to ensure the gum is completely incorporated.
- Optional Heating: To assist the gum tragacanth in dissolving more easily, you can gently heat the solution before placing it in the jar. To help the gum dissolve, you can heat the solution before putting it in the jar, but don't boil it. Heating can help break down the gum particles more effectively.
- Refrigerate: Once mixed, refrigerate the jar for 48 hours. This allows the mixture to fully hydrate and thicken into the usable fixative consistency.
Ingredients Breakdown
A simple table can illustrate the ratio:
| Ingredient | Ratio | Example Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Gum Tragacanth | 1 | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 30 | 30 teaspoons |
(Note: These are just example measurements based on the ratio; you can scale up or down as needed.)
This homemade solution serves as a type of fixative designed to help bind the pastel particles to the paper surface, thereby "setting" the soft pastels and reducing their tendency to smudge. Applying a fixative is a crucial step for preserving soft pastel artwork.
