How to Learn Airbrush Painting
Airbrushes are painting tools that, in skilled hands, allow painted portraits to look almost identical to photographs. Most airbrushes come with a basic instruction pamphlet, but they are not intuitive tools. Some sort of instruction is usually needed to learn how to use it effectively. The three main methods of learning airbrush painting are books, videos and classes. Each option has its own pros and cons that should be considered.
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Instructions
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Read books on airbrushing. They will have sample exercises to get you used to using your airbrush, as well as teach you the theory of airbrush artwork. Focus on books with lots of color images and, if possible, step-by-step projects that you can follow along with. A few examples include "How to Master Airbrush Painting Techniques" by JoAnn Bortles and Dru Blair; "The Ultimate Airbrush Handbook" by Pamela Shanteau, and "Airbrush and Makeup" by Joe Brands.
You can also read a number of magazines on airbrushing. These monthly or bi-monthly publications offer step-by-step projects and the most up to date techniques. A few to look at are "Airbrush Technique Magazine," "Airbrush Action"
and "Airbrush Step-by-Step."
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Watch instructional videos on airbrushing. These have the bonus of letting you see airbrushing being done in real time, which can be more informative than looking asta series of still pictures. Video hosting services such as YouTube and Daily Motion offer many short videos on airbrush technique. They are free, but you will be stuck watching them on a computer screen. Videos purchased in stores can be expensive, but you can watch them on a large TV to get a really good view of what's going on.
A few popular videos include "Air Skillz: Hip Hop Airbrush" by CreateSpace; "Pro Airbrush and Paintbrush Techniques" by Airbrush Action, and "Mickey Harris' Beginning Air Brush DVD."
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Take airbrush classes. Many local colleges and art academies offer classes in airbrushing that are open to the public. These classes are usually not free, but you will get hands-on education and feedback which is impossible when you work on your own. Look for small class sizes for better chances of regular feedback from the teacher.
Most of these classes will begin by teaching you the parts of an airbrush and how to assemble, disassemble and maintain the brush. Classes will then move on to basic lessons in airbrush control and technique before moving on to specific projects. Stencils, masks and freehand techniques will also be covered.
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References
- Photo Credit airbrushpistole image by Thomas Duchauffour from Fotolia.com
