Airbrushes ? are they required?

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Kevin C Mason

Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 01 April 2009 16:11

Airbrush Vs Sponge and Brush in Body Painting

I’m sure that if you have ever been around me for any length of time you would have heard my rant about Airbrushes. Very often I will be asked to do a performance where I am to paint someone with the request that I use airbrush. About 90% of the time the person who is asking me to do this has no idea what an airbrush is or what airbrush art would look like. below is an example of a typical conversation, its just an Catchphrase the client had heard thinking its something they want

Client : “I would like you to Airbush the model to look like a tiger”
Kevin :” I can do that however its faster if I use Sponge and brush is it the style of the airbrush your trying to capture ?”
Client : “We need it done fast I just want it to look like this (pointing to one of my other paintings ) “
Kevin : “I can do that if you like ,,, just know that painting was done by hand”
Client : “Oh .. Well then I want that .. by the way what is an Airbrush?”

Lets face it Airbrushes are cool It has that high tech feel, The blending of the colors cannot be matched. but its not the end all be all of artistic tools. Its all about the right tool for the job. and before starting a body painting its important to know what tool to use.

Airbrush Pros
Great at painting irregular surfaces (Hairy arms , Eyebrows , Those creases on the knuckles)
Amazing blending
Special effects
very smooth coverage without brushstrokes

Sponge and Brush Pros
Natural organic feel
Fast coverage and fast Details
Clear brushstrokes
Amazing control of the brushstrokes
No fumes

Truth be told an artist should be diverse use some Airbrush and some Sponge and Brush. Be flexible and know the advantages of both styles of body painting.