Airbrushing figures.

[brian]

I thought I would test the water to see what the general opinion is regarding the advent of airbrushing figures which seems to be on the increase.I don't really have an opinion, but I've seen some figures recently (female busts) that would be impossible to replicate using just brushes.I'm hopeless with an airbrush and I'm to old to change now,although I use grey and white primer to establish highlights and shading using aerosol spray cans and everything else is done with brushes.
Just thought it would be a good topic to see what the general opinion is.
Brian

 

[housecarl]

A tool like any other Brian.
Takes immense skill to achieve some of the results we see, so I'm all for them.
Just wish I could do it.

 

[Bailey]

I think there used to be a bias against it but lately more and more people view it as just another tool that requires skill to master. I think we could have a very similar discussion on digital sculpting. You get initial resistance within the figure community but gradually it becomes more and more accepted as just one more way to sculpt (or paint).

I got an airbrush not too long ago and this past weekend I finally started to mess around with it. I can't see myself painting a figure entirely with the airbrush, but it certainly has the potential to make sections easier and speed up my base coats. In addition to all my 54mm and 90mm figures I've got a couple large 1/6 and 1/7 scale kits. I really don't see how I'm going to paint them without turning to the airbrush. For the smaller scale figures I might start to use it to help get the main colors down and perhaps do a bit of pre-shading before I switch over the the traditional brush.

On a side note I saw this tutorial from Chris Clayton and was really impressed. He starts with the airbrush then moves on to the regular brush, water color pencils, and finally pigments. Lots of different techniques and the end result is fantastic
http://ccmodelworks.com/lipstick-powder-and-paint/

 

[pte1643]

I've used one for years, for general modelling.

They're great for "blocking" in your base colours on figures.

 

[Jamie Stokes]

I use one, both for general priming, also for larger busts (and of the female variety also)

It is another tool to use, and trying to get smooth graduations with a brush, very difficult.
It's not the be all and end all though, when it comes to the fine details, it's back to the traditional brushes!!

My second effort at the Chinese lady

However there is a trade off - the time gained in air brushing is traded off with the amount of time spent masking up the areas you don't want over-spray to reach, plus unmasking time. (plus airbrush clean up time too!!)


Definitely a good tool, and like any tool, takes a while to gain competency!!

Cheers

Jamie

 

[polyphemus]

Vid by Pepa Savedra (in Spanish)

http://kws.figurines-tv.com/index.php?mod=articles&ac=commentaires&id=176

Geoff

 

[brian]

Thanks for your feedback lads,very interesting.Being an old fella I'm old fashioned when it comes to painting figures and I use brushes all the time.I don't really have any problems with people using an airbrush but I wonder why it's a fairly new thing.I used to use an airbrush when I was into AFV's but that was about 40 years ago.
My theory is that with the advent of acrylics getting more seamless blending is made a lot easier when you've mastered the airbrush and getting special effects which would be extremely difficult to do using a brush.
I marvel at the effects painters are getting with the airbrush,stunning!!!!!
I'll just stick to the brushes,the oils and that magical smell of thinners.You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Brian

 

[Helm]

I'd like to have a go under grown supervision myself. Really love what folks can do with them, me I'm not that good with an ordinary brush Gawd help us if I am let loose with a powered one
Steve

 

[Gary D]

I can't imagine trying to airbrush detail on a 54mm or even a 75mm face. Clothing yes. Faces no. Maybe some redness in the figs cheeks but that's about it. But I do use the airbrush for my facial and cloth base coats and then follow up by slapping on oils for detail.

Bailey, that's a fantastic SBS by Chris Clayton. Thanks for posting it.

Gary

 

[brian]

I can't imagine trying to airbrush detail on a 54mm or even a 75mm face. Clothing yes. Faces no. Maybe some redness in the figs cheeks but that's about it. But I do use the airbrush for my facial and cloth base coats and then follow up by slapping on oils for detail.

Bailey, that's a fantastic SBS by Chris Clayton. Thanks for posting it.

Gary

I know that Julio Cabos can do it

 

[theBaron]

I use an airbrush when building my scale models. I have nothing against trying it with figures; in fact, I'd like to master using it on larger-scale figures, especially anime girls. I'm inspired by the work of Cody Kwok, whose website is at http://codyscoop.com/ He achieves truly excellent skin tones, using an airbrush. Of course, he combines the airbrush with handbrushing in his figures. Basically, I can't see using it on small figures, except to apply a primer coat, but as the scales go up, it makes sense, because you can get such even colors, airbrushing them.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Wayneb]

Hey Bailey
Thanks for the website demo.Anytime I can pick up a little tidbit from an SBS is much appreciated.

Regards....Wayne..........
Thanks to Brad also...............thanks to all

 

[Richie]

I'd like to have a go under grown supervision myself. Really love what folks can do with them, me I'm not that good with an ordinary brush Gawd help us if I am let loose with a powered one
Steve

Steve mate, I'd pay money to watch you let loose with an air brush, especially on that work bench of yours. Mind you would end up in the money as you could sell it as a Banksy or something.

I agree there is a place for the air brush and those who can master this technique can produce some amazing results, but you still do need the brushes to do the fine work that lifts a figure or face. For large scale busts, 120mm figures and horses I work on they save endless amounts of time and the uniformity of coverage speaks for itself.
cheers
Richie - Very, very novice air brusher.

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Vid by Pepa Savedra (in Spanish)

http://kws.figurines-tv.com/index.php?mod=articles&ac=commentaires&id=176

Geoff

Well I thought thats the way she done it ,Do we now have a new category for comps IE air brush figures ,Still great skill just a different kind

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Vid by Pepa Savedra (in Spanish)

http://kws.figurines-tv.com/index.php?mod=articles&ac=commentaires&id=176

Geoff

And I thought she done all that with a brush

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Jeff Illsley has used an airbrush on female figures Brian

 

[brian]

A tremendous skill used in the video and a beautiful finish to the figure,but when it comes to competitions I just don't know.It would be interesting to hear how judges could judge this type of figure with other busts in the same class.
Brian

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

A tremendous skill used in the video and a beautiful finish to the figure,but when it comes to competitions I just don't know.It would be interesting to hear how judges could judge this type of figure with other busts in the same class.
Brian

Well speak up if you dare judges