Create Portraits With The Airbrush!

CHClements · #1 08-31-2004, 07:56 PM

This is an article that you don't want to miss!! I don't use an airbrush, but I still learned a lot about the techniques that can be achieved with the airbrush. With excellent dialog and great images, Tim makes it look easy.

Join the Conversation after reading his article....

Create Portraits With The Airbrush

Thanks to our associate editors, Leaflin, Penny220 and Caterwallin', who helped with this article also.

carly
Publisher

HF AIRBRUSH · #2 09-01-2004, 03:08 AM

henk

ProfessorGreibowitz · #3 09-01-2004, 04:25 PM

Carly,

I never have clicked on that "join.." link but I did this time to see what it did. I thought it took you to the chat forum.

Thanks for the nice words and help.

Tim

paloma · #4 09-02-2004, 03:38 AM

This is just amazing ! Have just received my first newsletter from WC & this article jumped out at me because I used to be an airbrush artist back in the 70s; my work was mainly colour retouching - anything from removing blemishes to complete redraw or paint.

When I stopped working full time my airbrush became doormant too as my intention then was to abandon anything to do with the highly pressured advertising industry.

It has taken me many years on & off to free myself of the restrictions of highly finished detailed work that entails the use of an airbrush.

My airbrush & pump travel with me wherever I move to as I can't part with them - always thinking that they would come in use one day. So perhaps I will have a go at doing a portrait - something new for me as fruits & veg were my speciality!! Thank you for this interesting article. Cheers Alexandra

ProfessorGreibowitz · #5 09-02-2004, 04:19 AM

Alexandra,

Thanks for the compliment!!!!

I am still relatively new to airbrushing and very new to portraits but when I started doing portraits by tracing the outlines first it seemed like it just worked out. I had good luck right off the bat. Soon I'll be trying some in color.

I have a few others on my website.

Thanks again.

Tim

**jenniferlepore** · #6 10-01-2004, 10:14 AM

Hi there,
Is anyone is familiar with the book, Airbrush Technique Basic Skills?
We're trying to find out where we can go to purchase the dye inks mentioned in this book, I think they're called something like "Dia Dye."
Thanks for your help.

merri · #7 10-01-2004, 11:02 AM

Tim!

Thank you for the fabulous step by step!
I haven't picked up my airbrush in years,hmm.probably since 1997, when I got my "real" computer (the old 486 doesn't count, hehehe!).

Your technique is very similar to the way I do portraits, and it was great to have a little refreshing of the ol' memory!

A big HA! to my EX husband, who would criticize me for projecting the image and tracing in some reference lines. He called it cheating, I called it taking advantage of the technology available

(no need to expain why he's my "ex" hehehe!)

Proportion is, IMHO, THE most important first step. I am confident enough in my skills that I know I COULD skip the tracing part, it would just take me longer to get things exactly the way I want them. When creative inspiration hits, it's best to get the prep out of the way before the moment passes, so tracing is a real time saver. The right side of my brain is very easily distracted, and prone to hyperfocusing on perfection, and perfection is what you need in the beginning, or the end is just going to be "off".

Okay, after all that, I have a question: I had no idea that an eraser could be used for overspray! While I try my best to avoid it, I inevitibly end up just sort of painting it out. I never liked the idea of laying down more paint than necessary, especially at the risk of getting a "muddy" look in those areas.

Oh, yeah, the question! What type of eraser works? Can it be used while the paint is still wet, does it have to tack up a bit, or dry completely?

I'm so excited about the concept (anything to save time while I'm "in the mode")!

Love your web site, your art is an inspiration. I really should dust off the old Paasche and get back into it!

Many Thanks!
Love,
Merri

merri · #8 10-01-2004, 11:23 AM

Silly me, hehehe!
I just spent some more time at your site, and found the answer to my question in the Tools of the Trade section!
WOW, I am so excited! This is going to help me achieve the finer details that always gave me a hard time! Refine, refine, refine!

Just one more question...honest, I looked, but didn't find the answer...you mention the use of a white "oil pencil", I'm not familiar with this item. Are they readily available in art supply stores? Do you have any tips or tricks pertaining to their use? I have to say, it's gives amazing results on the highlights in your demo portrait!

Thanks again!
Love,
Merri

ProfessorGreibowitz · #9 10-01-2004, 09:42 PM

Merri,

Thanks for the compliments!

You can use watercolor, oil or just colored pencils but it just boils down to whether the pencil is soft enough to come off onto the paint. I bought some cheap colored pencils that were too hard and they don't work well. The oil pencils work much better but I think I may invest in a set of watercolor pencils. I think they'll be softer and you can smear them just like the oil pencil. After you draw a line, you can tone it down just by rubbing it with a finger.

I'm glad you're excited about the possibilities. I stay excited by the prospect that I might paint something awesome someday. hehehehehe

Chat with you later.

Tim

Phil Howe · #10 08-10-2005, 02:56 PM

This is my first time posting.I have just spent a glorious hour looking at "re create portriats with the airbrush"by Tim Simmons.The work makes me feel like rushing out and buying an airbrush.Thank you so much for sharing your talent!Back soon---Phil

ProfessorGreibowitz · #11 08-10-2005, 05:50 PM

Thanks for the nice comments, Phil. I guess I succeeded then. hehehhe

Come back after you buy your airbrush and hang out!

Tim

tubbekans · #12 02-25-2006, 02:50 AM

Thanks for the very helpful article Tim! For someone who is a little bit on the less than confident side about doing portraits, it is certainly nice to see it can be done and with a understandable approach to boot. I may actually tackle one for some friends now that I've read your article. My friend wants a portrait of his mother, and I have been hesitant to try it. This may just get me started though. Thanks!

ProfessorGreibowitz · #13 02-25-2006, 05:30 AM

You can do it. The first one may be scary but you can go slowly and carefully and that will make for less errors. Plus, if you really blow it, you can always start over.

Jump in and have fun.

Tim

gtech · #14 02-25-2006, 01:54 PM

I already read that article, and the only thing that doesn't fit me is that the paint or inks that I use can't be erased. (FW Inks or Golden Paint) Maybe that I should buy some Comart black just for portraits...

But lately, I began to test some erasable coloured pencils from Crayola. They make it easy to see how a design will look on paper before airbrushing it, but I have to check if it affects the paint I use when I airbrush on top of it. http://www.dickblick.com/zz205/84/

Merri, my wife says the same thing about me when I use a tracer. She says I copied the design when I do that...

I normally use a tracer only when I'm in a hurry or if I want to make sure the design will be perfect. I try practice and make my "freehand pencil" work as good as it was before I met my wife...

Back then, I had more time to draw LOL

Gilles

Airscapes · #15 02-25-2006, 10:01 PM

Hi Gilles! If you are interested in trying out Comart, I would recomend a bottle of the transparent Smoke, not black to start out with. I have both and always use the smoke. You have much more control building up the values with it. At full saturation it is almost black.. Next time I order something, I want to get Comart's grey scale set and give that a try.
The artical was very well done and very helpful, thank you Tim!

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