Basic pastel questions

Hello,

I am new to this site. Thank you Chris Saper for telling me about it. I dont know much about pastels and would appreciate any help regarding these questions. Please keep in mind my goal is to achieve a very real, blended portrait. I am using Rembrandt soft pastels.

1) When painting a light-skinned white person what color of paper is recommended, or does it matter?

2) Do all fixatives change the color of the pastels? I have been using Blair.

3) With the type of portrait I wish to create, is the fixative used as the last step or at differnt stages?

4) If the fixative by accident touches a part of the paper with out pastel on it does this effect its ability to hold layers of color? If so what can I do to stop this?

5) What texture and name brand of paper is reccomended to create this soft real apprenance?

6) What step by step practice book is on the market to help me get the results I am looking for?

7) Do any of the artist offer or know of online classes?

Thank you, Winnie