Spray fixative

(C) 2016 Dale DiMauro

Recently, I purchased this hardcover, spiral-bound sketchbook from a local art store. I am determined to fill it with portraits until there is no paper left. After having experience with many different sketchbooks through the years I have learned that pencil smears and will dirty the front pages over time. Thus, after this first drawing in this new sketchbook I thought it would be a good idea to try using a workable fixative, which prevents smudging and wrinkling. I bought this spray fixative at the same local art store and am eager to see how it goes. 

To minimize smearing in the past I either have used sketchbooks with perforated pages where you can cleanly remove a sheet as needed and use pencils that lean more to the hard end of the soft scale. That is I tend to use an HB or 2B pencil instead of an 8B, for example.

In the past, when I used other fixatives, I had to spray them outside as the stuff smelled foul, but I was told this product is much better. I'll let you know what I think of this product in a future post.

P.S.: The source for this drawing originated from the USA Today Sports: Special Edition which I picked up locally prior to the beginning of the U.S. Open tennis tournament. I am interested in capturing the varied expressions on people's faces and their individual characteristics.