Airbrush: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:PaascheAirbrush.jpg|thumb|200px|Paasche F#1 Single-action external mix airbrush]] |
[[Image:PaascheAirbrush.jpg|thumb|200px|Paasche F#1 Single-action external mix airbrush]] |
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An '''airbrush''' is a small, [[Pneumatics|air-operated]] tool that sprays various media including [[ink]] and [[dye]], but most often [[paint]] by a process of [[nebulization]]. '''Spray guns''' developed from the airbrush and are still considered a type of airbrush. |
An '''airbrush''' is a small, [[Pneumatics|air-operated]] tool that sprays various media including [[ink]] and [[dye]], but most often [[paint]] by a process of [[nebulization]]. '''Spray guns''' developed from the airbrush and are still considered a type of airbrush. |
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==Technique== |
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Airbrush technique is the freehand manipulation of the airbrush, medium, air pressure and distance from the surface being sprayed in order to produce a certain predictable result on a consistent basis with or without shields or stencils. Airbrush technique will differ with the type of airbrush being used (single action or dual/double action). |
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Double action airbrush technique involves depressing the trigger on the top of the airbrush with the index finger to release air only, and drawing it back gradually to the paint release threshold. The most important procedural dynamic is to always begin with air only and end with air only. By observing this rule, precise control of paint volume and line width and character can be achieved. The single most important airbrush stroke consistently utilized by professionals is the dagger stroke. This describes a stroke which begins wide and ends as a narrow line, created by starting with the brush far from the support and moving it evenly closer as the line is drawn. |
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Single action airbrush technique derives its name from the fact that only one action is required for operation. The single action of depressing the trigger releases a fixed ratio of paint to air. |
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Achieving different line widths requires either changing the tip and nozzle combination or else adjusting the spray volume manually between spray width changes. The most important aspect of proper single action airbrush technique is to keep the hand moving before the trigger is depressed and after the trigger is released. This avoids the "bar bell" line. |
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== Use == |
== Use == |
Revision as of 14:44, 19 October 2010
This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2008) |
An airbrush is a small, air-operated tool that sprays various media including ink and dye, but most often paint by a process of nebulization. Spray guns developed from the airbrush and are still considered a type of airbrush.
Use
Art and illustration
Since the inception of airbrush technology, commercial artists and illustrators realized airbrushes allowed them to create highly rendered images and a high level of realism. Artists often use the airbrush in combination with cut stencils or items held freehand to block in controlled manner the flow of paint onto the paper (or digital alternatives) with fantasy and science fiction artists. Airbrush images can be found today in advertising, publishing (e.g., book covers), comic books and graphic novels.
Photo retouching
BeforeAfter |
Yezhov is clearly visible to Stalin's left. The photo was later altered by censors. |
Airbrushing has long been used to alter photographs in the pre-digital era. In skilled hands it can be used to help hide signs that an image has been extensively retouched or "doctored".
As a result of Stalin's purges, and later destalinization, many photographs of officials from the periods show extensive airbrushing, often entire people have been removed. The term "airbrushed out" has come to mean rewriting history to pretend that something was never there. In contemporary academic discourse, the process of removing components from an image is formally known as object removal.
The term "airbrushed" or "airbrushed photo" has also been used to describe glamour photos in which a model's imperfections have been removed, or in which their attributes have been enhanced. The term has often been applied in a pejorative manner to describe images of unrealistic female perfection and has been particularly common in reference to pictures in Playboy, and later Maxim.
Using today's digital imaging technology, this kind of picture editing is now usually done with a raster image editor, which is capable of even more subtle work in the hands of a skilled touch-up artist. This technique is still called airbrushing or photoshopping.
Murals
Airbrushes are also suitable for painting murals.
Hobby
Airbrushes are commonly used by scale modeling enthusiasts because finer coats can be laid down, as well as opaque effects, like weathering, adding stains etc. The fine atomization of paint in modern airbrushes also makes it possible to accurately reproduce soft-edged mottled camouflage schemes, which are very hard to do convincingly by hand-brushing. (Luftwaffe aircraft are a good example of this)
Many Radio Control hobbyists also use the airbrush to create works of art on the lexan bodies. The paint jobs range from a basic one-color paint job to fine detailed works of art.
Airbrush makeup application
Though the earliest record of this type of cosmetic application dates back to the 1925 film version of Ben-Hur, it has recently been re-popularized by the advent of Hi-Definition Television and Digital Photography, wherein the camera sees more detail than ever before. Liquid Foundations that are high in coverage but thin in texture are applied with the airbrush for full coverage without a heavy build-up of product. It is also a highly popular technique for Special F/X Makeup.
Temporary airbrush tattoos (TATs)
Airbrushes can also be used to apply temporary airbrush tattoos. An artist sprays ink onto the skin through a stencil. Often, the resulting design mirrors the look of a permanent tattoo, without any pain or discomfort. In the past, TATs might only last a week, but now, the best inks can last up to two weeks or longer.
Airbrush tanning
Airbrushes are used to apply special tanning solutions as a form of sunless tanning that simulates the appearance of a natural sun tan. It is promoted as a safer and healthier alternative to the damaging effects of long term exposure to the sun. It is often performed by companies also offering other sun tanning alternatives like sun beds.
Finger nail art
Airbrushes are also used to apply images onto human finger nails as well as synthetic ones that are later glued to the person's actual finger nail.
Clothing
T-shirt airbrushing is popular—many t-shirt airbrush shops offer to paint any textile that will hold paint, including jeans, denim jackets, leather apparel, pillow cases, and hoodies.
One well known producer of airbrushed clothing is Marc Ecko. He used to airbrush t-shirts when he started his clothing company.[1]
Automotive
Airbrushes are used to spray murals, graphics, and other artwork on automobiles, motorcycles and helmets. This artform has been around since at least the fifties, but more recently it has seen an increase in popularity thanks to such shows as Rides and American Chopper. Most professionals prefer to use automotive grade bases through top of the line gravity fed airbrushes. The cost to hire a professional artist will vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on location, skill level and reputation.
Street artists
Many street artists use airbrushing to create names and pictures for tourists, such as around Jackson Square in New Orleans. In the mid-seventies, Panama City Beach, Florida was the airbrush capital of the world, with hundreds of artists painting custom designs on T-shirts.
Safety
When inhaled, finely dispersed paint and solvents can produce serious health hazards. Regulatory provisions such as OSHA dictate strict requirements to prevent unsafe use in work environments.
See also
- Frederick William Lawrence – an early airbrush artist
- Syd Brak – a contemporary airbrush artist
- H.R. Giger – Swiss sculptor, airbrush, and sketch artist, who is famous for his work on the feature films, Alien and Species.
References
- ^ Albo, Mike (2008-01-24). "Loud and Dumb Never Looked Better". The New York Times.
External links
- Airbrush HUB A Free resource of galleries, forums, videos, directories and more for new and experienced airbrush artists .
- Airbrush Tricks Free resource for new and experienced airbrush artists.
- The Airbrush Museum has an airbrush history, original patents and other historical documents pertaining to the airbrush.