Anyone know anything about Airbrush kits? I want to get my GF a kit for Christmas. I don't want it to be too simple, since she's already artiscally inclined. On the otherhand, I don't want it to be too complex, since (as far as I know) she hasn't done any airbrush before. As for me, the only thing I know about airbrushing is that, done right, it looks cool. I did a Google search and was inundated with a lot of stuff that didn't really help.
There is an art supply store in Raleigh, in the same plaza as the MELTING POST. Its on Six Forks just inside the beltline. They might be able to assist you with that type of stuff
Clif, the type of airbrush and 'kit' you get should be determined by the type of work she wishes to do with it. Inotherwords, there are different airbrush styles for different tasks. For nails/small hobbies there are top or side cups built in, for larger hobbies/tasks, most artists prefer the ones in which the paint jar is attached to the bottom. Compressors are another issue - depending if she plans to use the airbrush with another artist, she may want one that can accomodate two or more airbrush tools. Getting a compressor that doesn't have a horrid sound is also a plus...and if she will be airbrushing for lengths of time and not just a few minutes here and there, you want one with a sturdy case, not a 'cheapy' plastic one, which can actually melt - honest...I've seen it all. There are some high grade plastic-type composits out there that hold up well.
She does different things, depending on the mood she's in. Her lastest interest is in painting rocks (they're gorgeous!) I can't see her painting nails. She'll probably use it to paint rocks (up to about 6" - 8") to start. She also wants to paint some designs on our RV (but was planning to do it with a brush). The bottle below would probably be the better choice. Isn't there an option of a seperate bottle (ie, not attached to the wand)? Is the "case" you mention part of the compressor? She'll probably work alone (or, more specifically, paint alone). I've seen some setups that use aerosol cans. I don't think that would do, she'd probably go through a half dozen just learning. But, if the "kit" comes with one or two aerosol cans, can the airbrush still be fitted for a compressor? Or, if I see a picture which includes the cans, just move on to the next one?
The airbrush itself is either one that holds paint - you put paint into it - reservior for paint is on top or has a small cup that ists on one side. There are some - that have small paint cups that attatch and detach - these ARE the best for small projects like rocks...etc that size as you don't have to clean the brush out in between color - in which case you have to loose all the unused paint you placed in the holder/cup etc. The ones that have the paint below - are for bigger jobs...they can be cumbersome for a beginner. Used in murals etc.. The aerosol ones - from what I understand are a PITA... I taught airbrush application for the last company I worked for (back when I had a 'real job' so I am a bit familiar with the first type I mentioned. excuse typos in a rush With aerosol, you dont need a compressor...I believe it is a different 'brush' or 'gun' whichever term you wish...they are prettymuch interchangeable among most airbrush artists. Of course you get some people who are picky... With aerosol, you don't need a compressor...as the method of getting the paint from the holder (in this case can) through the insturment/gun/brusn is aerosol....in any other case you need power...that's where your compressor comes in. I'll look for the site where there was the ones that I always said I would get if I bought new tools....the kind with interchangeable paint cups and will put it here tomorrow....for right now, I have to get back out to work...
Hungate's out at Cary Towne Center has alot of good airbrush supplies and more than likely they can be helpful as well in your quest by answering the questions that you have. Craig
If you think it is something she will like and possibly use a lot, I would look into one that you can hook a compressor up to.
Here is a site with an airbrush comparison chart - check it out, it's pretty informative. http://www.dickblick.com/info/airbrushcompchart I've had Vega, Badger and Iwata airbrushes, but the last new one I purchased was over 5 years ago...things change....at the time, I found the Vega to be a real pain with clogging up in the blink of an eye - BUT that was some time ago and one model that they made which I had experience with and a lot depends on the type of paint you are putting through it. Learning to airbrush takes patience and a LOT of practice, but it is quite enjoyable to do once you get the hang of it. ? out of curiosity, what type of things is she thinking about airbrushing on rocks?
TRhanks for the link. Check these out (She's very good.) All done with brush. Imagine what she could do with an airbrush.
Very nice, Clif. She is good. I have found, since building model cars for years, that painting with a brush and an airbrush are quite different. (no brainer, right?) I have found that I cannot paint details with an airbrush as well as I can with a regular brush. Then, again, I am so detailed that you can read the speedometer and the radio dial on the model when I am done. Anal...I know... but it looks so cool!
Wow Clif, she is VERY good! Like Blus mentioned, details are not easy with an airbrush - usually stencils are used and some freehand work, but airbrushing is not an 'exact art.' Being artistic, she may be able to adapt airbrush designs to her rock art, I'd love to see the results she gets after some practice - keep me posted.
Clif, have you ever heard of the airbrush artist Dru Blair? He has a school in Wake Forest. Maybe you could arrange for a workshop at his school for her gift. That way she could see if she likes airbrushing. Just an idea. Anyway, here is Dru's website. http://www.drublair.com/comersus/store/workshops.asp Check out his work, he is the most AMAZING artist (airbrush or otherwise) I have ever seen! Dru and his work...
