When I drew this charcoal seascape study on a small canvas board a few months ago, I did it to find out how it feels to draw on canvas and if I could use an alternative to pastel and charcoal fixative.
There was something rather satisfying about the resistance I felt in my hand as the charcoal and blending tools moved across the surface of the canvas board. Coupled with the dull scratching sound I could hear as I was drawing.
Even in a well-ventilated area, I find the strong odour of pastel and charcoal fixatives very overpowering. Under certain conditions, the smell could potentially trigger me to have a migraine. To fix this charcoal drawing, I chose to experiment with painting on an acrylic glazing medium, which seems to have a more subtle odour.
The acrylic glazing medium was effective at fixing and sealing the charcoal on the canvas board. However, to reduce the amount of charcoal dust moving across the surface, I had to apply tiny amounts, very gently, in small short strokes.