Airbrush and Bird paintings

I have really enjoyed teaching myself the art of airbrushing.  I thought using an airbrush would be easy but it takes a great deal of control and considerable skill.  As the old saying goes 'Practice makes perfect".   So far I mask the drawn characters and airbrush the background.  Then I spend the time painting the birds. With the kingfishers I used gouache and brushes.  A pallet knife was used to get the unruly feathers of the tawney frogmouths.  They are such curious birds.  The monochromatic effect helps to portray how they blend into their surroundings.

I have always admired Paul Margocsy's work and recently James Hough.  They both use airbrush effects for the background of their paintings.  I have been fortunate to have attended 3 of Paul's  workshops (2 he did for Oatley 101 Society of Artists Inc) and I have become a little more adept at  airbrushing.  I own 3 of Paul's works and 1 of James so am inspired daily to continue learning the skills necessary to produce quality products.

I bought the airbrush kit online from Runway 13 in Canberra NSW.  They were so helpful as I had very little idea as to what I wanted or indeed needed.  The kit included the airbrush set itself, a stand and cleaning jar, 2 hoses and a very quiet and light compressor.  I am having the time of my life.  I use the backs of old paintings, cardboard, whatever to practise.

One thing I have learned is that the airbrush must be cleaned thoroughly after use.  I also have added to the library with a couple of instruction books which are proving to be useful.

Azure Kingfishers painted in gouache. "Then What Happened".

Tawney Frogmouths painted in acrylic. "Birds of a Feather".