If a three-day art class exists on how to finish artwork the same way there are dozens of three-day art classes on how to create artwork, and if this class focused on pencil and water media works and taught the various ins and outs of framing, varnishing, alternative methods of varnishing, storing, and so on, I’d take it. It seems I only learn by failing, and my latest project is starting to feel like a big lesson in what not to do.

I started with a piece of watercolor paper (140 lb., Stonehenge Aqua) stretched on a watercolor stretcher board. I created a moody background in ink and proceeded to sketch six songbirds, thinking I’d create Christmas ornaments. I drew a woodpecker, too, and completed all of this drawing, which took a week of evenings, with a Cardinal for the “star.”

The drawing part I’m comfortable with, but then the questions begin. Can I use acrylic on paper and alongside ink? Should I use a fixative first? How will I “finish” these so they can be hung on a tree? After watching a very informative video about the Spectrafix products (Final Fixative and Natural Glass), I dove in. I sprayed fixative a few times before drawing in the gold ornaments and stars with an acrylic marker. I then brushed on three coats of Natural Glass over everything. After it dried, I adhered the birds to mat board and attempted to sandwich yarn in between for hangers.

Did it work? As it’s all still drying, tune in next time to find out…