8-1-08 Art Tech - Airbrush

Art Tech - Airbrush
By Sarazann

Spraying paint onto a canvas might seem to be a modern invention however the practice of splashing a fine mist of color on a form to produce art is almost as old as the human race. Cave paintings dating back to the dawn of the Cro-Magnon man are prolific. Most represent a style best captured by the painting in Cosquer Cave located at Cape Morgiou, in the Calanques, near Marseilles, France. (pic)

In this time before the industrial revolution Paleolithic people would chew on ocher until it became a thick paint like substance. They would use their hands and other tools as edge guides as they sprayed ocher from their mouth in a constant pattern. This technique is still used in modern day rock paintings by the Australian Aboriginies. However the herbs used in Austrailia create a chalk white color instead of the burnt orange of the ocher.

The first patent on what we would consider a modern airbrush machine was held by Charles Burdick, 1893. Through to the 1920’s the machine was mainly a photography touch up device. Used for coloring and corrections. During the advertising boom of the 30’s the airbrush became a tool for painters. The quick style a relative easy use of the machine made it a solid alternative to matte painting and full oil color ads. The Walter Gropius Bauhaus Group, Germany 1919, welcomed the airbrush and helped establish it as an artistic tool.

1950’s Pin up models created a turn in the airbrush market. When Alberto Vargas first painted his voluptuous ladies, the use for and airbrush crossed the boundaries of a commercial tool and went into the homes of local people. Since then the airbrush has been used on everything from motorcycles to paper bags. It is a versatile tool that can create types of art that are more complicated to attain using other mediums.

Lubbock artist, Will Terrell, used an airbrush while creating characatures. He had some trouble getting used to the tool and acquiring all of the correct parts for the set up. After learning how to use the airbrush and buying the equipment he had a very successful career as a characature artist for many years. The airbrush was easy enough to use in a variety of places, the Fair, the flea market and even took Will to California. After finishing his six month education in California, Will came back to Lubbock to continue to pursue his dream of making comics. Though he no longer uses the airbrush regularly his skill and entertainment with the machine remain. Check out his comics on sale at Star Comics, 2014 34th Street.

Wes Williamson owner of Toonz Ink uses numerous airbrushes on a daily basis. He has created thousands of pieces on everything from a t-shirt to a baseball cap. His business has been around for almost a decade and still growing. He said “it doesn‘t matter what kind of airbrush you use, it’s in the skill of the artist to make it look good.” His preferred airbrush gun is the Eclipse and the Paashe. “I wanted to make art” Wes states excitedly. He was determined to make art his living and the air gun appealed to him most of all. “All you have to do is pull the trigger, there’s no changing brushes or anything, just aim and paint.” His store, located at 5015 University Avenue Space a-10, holds a huge selection of airbrush work.