Dreaming of airbrushing

LovesArt

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Hi there!

I found you while researching airbrushing materials. I paint portraits in oil (or digital on my iPad) and I imagine airbrushing to be kind of like drawing with paint because of its precision and sharp edges. I'll soon see how that idea compares to reality!

I'm trying to learn everything I can before purchasing my supplies. I am dying to start but I won't buy anything until I've learned enough to make informed decisions--don't want to complicate my learning period fighting inferior tools! It's been around 2 months of research--it was supposed to be my Christmas gift--and I'm no closer to selecting my stuff. Frustrating. Feel free to offer advice!

Since my current equipment consists of brushes made of hair, or a stylus, the thought of handling compressors, metal parts and other airbrushing paraphernalia feels very awkward. But I'm beginning to feel more comfortable with the idea of working with such tools the more I read and watch.

I just finished reading the Airbrushtutor guide and have been watching videos on YouTube. I bought some too. I loved Cory St Clair's painting of Thor and Craig Fraser's painting of Frankenstein. Looks so fun!

I'm looking forward to playing with my future airbrush equipment. And maybe making a few friends here. Thanks for reading.
 
Sounds like you into it!! Just to inform you the airbrush makes soft edges not sharp!! We use masks/stencils etc to create sharp edges :) the videos on Coast are very helpful as is this forum :)
Good luck with your choice of brush, there are a few to choose from!!!
Welcome to the forum
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. Do you have any idea which brand of airbrush you might be looking at? As we all have used many of them here, we might be able to steer you in the right direction. For me, my go to brush is the Iwata Eclipse. I have several top feed and side feed brushes. Its a great brush to learn on and will serve you for many years to come. I would not recommend buying a cheap brush to start with. As for compressors, that is not my area of expertise. I have an Iwata Smart Jet Pro that I use for my small work, and performs perfectly. I also have a pancake compressor for my medium work and then I have a large compressor for painting large items, such as cars.

I'm sure if you have any questions, the gang here will be happy to help you make your decisions and get you started on your journey.
 
Hi and welcome from Devon U.K. I use Iwata airbrushes and Etac and Schminke paint as for compressor I have a silent air and a Bambi. There is plenty to choose from depending on what you want to paint and on what material you want to paint. Good luck and any questions just ask :thumbsup:
 
Another welcome from the UK :) When you think you know what you want to buy (and include paint in this) then make a thread and put in a link of needed. Say what you want to use it for, what size you hope to paint, the surface you want to paint on (or ask to check if its a good surface) the more info the better. Then we will be able to tell you if its what you need :)

We all have our preferences for various reasons, even if that reason is just because its available locally - there are many factors - but we can say what is suitable and give opinions why one may be more suitable than another if you have more than one choice.
 
Welcome from Devon , UK. Have fun and search this forum, as it has loads of info
 
Another welcome from the UK :) When you think you know what you want to buy (and include paint in this) then make a thread and put in a link of needed. Say what you want to use it for, what size you hope to paint, the surface you want to paint on (or ask to check if its a good surface) the more info the better. Then we will be able to tell you if its what you need :)

We all have our preferences for various reasons, even if that reason is just because its available locally - there are many factors - but we can say what is suitable and give opinions why one may be more suitable than another if you have more than one choice.
Welcome from South Carolina. You didn't say where you are from?
Living in Ohio, originally from Puerto Rico
 
Another welcome from the UK :) When you think you know what you want to buy (and include paint in this) then make a thread and put in a link of needed. Say what you want to use it for, what size you hope to paint, the surface you want to paint on (or ask to check if its a good surface) the more info the better. Then we will be able to tell you if its what you need :)

We all have our preferences for various reasons, even if that reason is just because its available locally - there are many factors - but we can say what is suitable and give opinions why one may be more suitable than another if you have more than one choice.
My biggest concern is noise. A loud compressor would drive me nuts. I'll probably paint mostly on smaller canvas or boards. (Though I suspect that once I understand the capabilities/possibilities everything in my house will be fair game!) And I'd probably want an airbrush that can handle both broad and detail work that won't intimidate me. ☺️
 
Well hello, From near by West Virginia. I have a daughter that lives in Puerto Rico! I also have a fair collection of brushes from a decent selection of makers, so as questions come up, I may be able to help answer some of them with a little experience. I also painted before air brushing. I find that I actually combine both frequently, as some things are just easier with hair.

As far as noise - there are options :) I use a California air tools compressor right under my easel, and the noise level is quite low. A regular compressor would make me jump every time it kicked on, not so with this one. There are silent options, but the price starts going up with them...
 
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