The Place Of The Airbrushing Artist

By Paulette Mason


A tool called an airbrush was first invented in the 1890s and it has come a long way since then. It is used today to create stunningly realistic art with many different avenues of expression. An airbrushing artist has to master some difficult techniques to produce these effects. They spray dyes, inks or paints onto many different types of surfaces, often using a freehand process.

In the early years, the airbrush was used extensively for photographic retouching. However, this changed when exceptional computer graphic programs came onto the scene. Today a craze for customizing items has injected new vigor into this art form and you name it, people want it to be airbrushed.

Today, artists use many different varieties of the same basic tool. However, the principle by which they all work is the same. This tool atomizes paint and sends it toward a surface. An aerosol can also do this but an airbrush does not put out as much paint and is used for more detailed fine work. It has a reservoir for paint and a source of compressed air. The compressed air atomizes the paint and sprays out fine droplets.

The effects that can be obtained when using an airbrush make this tool invaluable to those who are experienced in using it. They have to understand the relationship between the tool itself, the thickness of the medium used and the amount of pressure that must be applied. They also have to understand how to manipulate the tool in various ways, holding it at different distances from the surface and at specific angles.

An airbrush can be used to create designs on just about any surface. Canvas, leather, fabric, wood, metal, glass and plastic are all suitable surfaces. One of the most popular applications is in the automotive industry. Motorbikes, cars and trucks are often seen with customized logos and designs.

Custom designs are also created on items of clothing and accessories. T-shirts, boots, helmets and even handbags can be decorated with a design or a logo. Murals can be sprayed onto walls. Cosmetology is another industry where airbrushing is used extensively.

When looking for an artist to do some custom work, it is important to view a portfolio of work successfully completed. Artists can work from designs or photos they are given. However, if clients do not know exactly what they want, browsing through a portfolio can help and artists are also happy to give ideas and suggestions.

A successful airbrush artist has often been practicing this art for years, acquiring the necessary techniques to create realistic, detailed images. This art form has come into its own due to the number of talented artists producing amazing work. Another factor that has stimulated growth of this industry is the desire for customization. These two factors have contributed to the great popularity of this art form today and are sure to maintain this for many years to come.




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