--- Jay <jaythebastard_at_hotmail.com> wrote:
> I'd have to say "way to go" Scrapper! That's good work...
Thanks; I didn't think I'm making progress, but comparing
to previous works, I am!
> I'm afraid that my own airbrushing experiences didn't
> turn out anything like that, and I tried several times!
It takes quite a few hours to learn, I've found. It also
pays to have someone who knows what they are doing show you
(I'm doing classes Thursday nights). A relatively recent
technique that has come to light is called Focal Analysis.
This looks at the sharpness, or lack of, for a given
object. JMH's work would largely be considered 'in-focus'.
Mostly very sharp, lots of detail. Though for backgrounds,
far away objects, etc, this is not required, things can be
softer. But you need to have things in the correct focus
too. It looks strange to have a landscape done in-focus,
as everything is unrealistically sharp. Though having a
nearby subject out-of-focus results in blurry lines and
lack of definition. Unless you understand ins, outs and
neutrals (minimise, maximise, controlling overspray), then
you are unlikely to ever really maximise the potential of
an airbrush. It is important to remember too, that it is a
rendering tool, not a drawing tool.
> I think I'll stick with Photoshop and Illustrator,
> personally. No
> airbrush I've seen comes with an "undo" function. heh
It is amazing what can be undone, unless your spraying
black and white, in which case it is sudden death. Grey
scale can be corrected, as can colour. The focal analysis
is still important for digital editing, though harder to
apply.
> BTW, what makes you say that black is hard to do? Is it
> the detailing work that you're referring to?
No, not line work, more of doing black creatures, like,
SKUNKS and dragons such my own fursona... Getting
graduation in the colour so it doesn't end up as a black
mass is not easy to do. Need to spray as a dark grey, for
even a tiny amount of black really darkens a picture or
colour. Considering many of my favourite characters are
majority black, then I'm going to have to practice this one
a lot!
> All I did was plan out the detail on paper first...
Then use a copier to make a transparency that lets you use
and overhead projector to put it anywhere you like! Trace
the outline onto your medium with a pencil, spray your
black outlines (where required) then spray away, appyling
focal analysis to determine your shapes and effects.
> then use
> something like masking tape or teflon tape to
> cover the intended "blank lines" on the shirt.
You cheat and use tape. Too slow and often too sharp
(focal analysis thing again) with tape for much other than
flames. Even these often look better free hand. Usually
full free hand, hand stencil (use your hand to shield) or a
piece of paper, cut as required.
> You can even use the "stencil"
> technique to do solid color details and come up with a
> very "Illustrator art" or "cartoony" style, if you like.
Looses much of the airbrush appeal; the ability to do
gradations and vary intensities. If you're up for solid
colour, you may as well screen print! You're not going to
get anywhere near photo realism with a taped stencil. Then
again, unless I keep practicing, nor am I... :-P
> Keep it up! I'd like to see more.
I'm waiting for someone to dare me for the next pic! Who'd
you like to see furs? Popular request will win.
> Hey, refine your technique a little and you'd have at
> least one willing-to-pay customer for a commissioned t-
> shirt right here!
I'll produce a few more and post to the group. When furs
start asking if I'm up for commissions, it is probably then
about time. :-) Until I get smooth colour gradations in
all the targetted locations and can keep spray where I want
it, then I won't be confident to take fur's money.
Scrapper, Black Dragon, glad he's training with an
experienced and knowledgeable airbrush teacher!
PS, I'm going back in January to do a 40 hour (five days
straight) intensive course to kick along my skills. :-)
So it could be as early as 1st quarter next year!
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Received on Sun Nov 30 2003 - 19:24:40 CST