Airbrushing Miniatures
WORKSHOP
WITH DRU BLAIR
& CARLOS GOMEZ
Simple Step By Step Instructions
Dru and Carlos show you how to create realistic metallic and weathering effects on scale models.
Various Products
Learn to use various multimedia products (paints, pigments, and tools) to create a variety of effects
Are you ready
to test
your Metal?
Learn all about Carlos’s methods for achieving realistic metallic surfaces on scale model aircraft using:
§ Metallic paints, weathering pigments, washes, acrylics, etc.
§ Non-traditional application techniques
§ Variety of special effect application tools (metal, wood, cloth and more)
Take the visual presence of your scale model to bold, new levels
Do you want your aircraft or other metallic vehicle to shine with character?
Paint Expressively.
If you desire metallic finishes on your models loaded with visual impact then this class is for you!
Heavy metal without the heavy lift
Simple techniques for advanced results
Imagine what you will do when you have had the right training.
Without training, you could spend years (or more likely, decades) trying to unlock all the secrets of realistic painting. Now it’s possible for you to reach your artistic potential in a fraction of the time that it would take if you tried it on your own.
Color theory that solves all your color matching challenges
Fear of color will be a thing of the past. Learn all about achieving a perfect color match without having to spend a fortune on paint sets. You will learn how to master color on the first day, so you can hit the right match every time.
Everything you need is provided
We aren’t just limited to teaching you all about the airbrush. We include a variety of other art tools to help you make your present and future artwork the best possible.
What you will learn
01
It's all about the surface
In order to re-create a realistic metal finish, a smooth surface before painting is essential. You will learn a simple and effective way to check for surface flaws without primer.02
The layer before the metal
The undercoat has an effect on the appearance of your metal finish. Explore different base coats to achieve enhanced visual variety.
03
Metal Mania
When should you use transparent paint or glaze, and when should you use opaque paint? Each has unique characteristics that need to be considered first. You will learn all the differences, and when and why to use each.
04
Surface Preparation
There are many products on the market for rendering metallic finishes. We will explore a variety of them through application, manipulation and experimentation.
05
Air Sources
From compressors to CO2 tanks, we will show you how to make the right selection. If you are concerned about compressor noise, we will have several compressors on hand for you to compare the sound output of each.
06
Color Theory
Our original theory was initially conceived in the eighties and is now practiced in some form all over the airbrush world. This is a practical approach to color and color mixing that actually corresponds to the way paint behaves. It is simple, yet comprehensive in scope.
07
How to use the Color Wheel
The color wheel is a compass. We will show you how to choose the right color wheel and how to use it correctly. It can be your best aid when mixing and matching colors.
08
How to match color....perfectly
Color can be intimidating, but fear of color will be a thing of the past after we show you how to match a color dead-on every time. You will love this process, especially if you are tired of guessing about color formulas.
09
Blending techniques
The airbrush requires different approaches when blending. We will show you how to use both.
10
Choosing the right airbrush and the right paint
There are so many choices out there, and it can be quite confusing. We will help take the mystery out of paint and airbrush selection, so that you use the best products for your paintings.
11
Choosing which colors to match
When faced with lots of colors, it's not necessary to match them all, because you can create a lot of new colors by blending with the airbrush
12
Light considerations
Light tells the story, and must be considered when presenting your model. We will show you how to compensate for different lighting situations.
13
How to avoid mistakes
The airbrush is more cerebral than other types of painting. You can often save time by thinking one or two steps ahead.
14
Shadow colors
Shadows are not created by just adding black. We will show you what you need to add to create shadows.
15
Tools and equipment introduction
We don’t limit your training to just the airbrush. Many tools can enhance your painting, and we want you to be able to enjoy having the best of them in your arsenal. You will also learn the results for each tool, so you will know which tool is best for each situation.
16
Correct Spray Angles
3D surfaces require a different approach than 2D surfaces. We'll show you how to find the correct angle.
17
Masking
We will show you different masking methods and when to use them
State of the Art Classroom
unlike any other on the planet
Color corrected lighting. Central Ventilation
On-site lodging on a 120-acre campus
nestled in a National Forest
What students are saying
I attended Dru's workshop with the hope of learning to paint, I left with the ability to "see" and a system that allowed me to develop my own understanding of painting and colours. Your system has given me the freedom to explore my own creativity.
Paul MacDonald
(Air Art Studios) Australia
Dru's teachings showed me how to create great detail and gave me the ability to achieve PHOTOREALISM in my artworks. Thank you for pioneering the world of photorealism in airbrushing, I doubt I would have got here without your long nights and many experiments .
David Naylor
Spain
Dru's workshop influenced the way I paint and gave me some new concepts, knowledge and skills to implement into the way I worked today. I recommend it!
Mitch Lowther
(Airbrush tutor) Australia
Our
Guarantee
We are so sure that we offer the best airbrush course in the world that we are willing to offer you tuition money back if you don’t notice an immediate improvement in your art, and in the way you see the world after taking this course.
About painting miniatures
The airbrush can be intimidating at first, but it has capabilities far beyond that of the traditional brush. You'll learn to harness this instrument and make it work for you.
Getting here
The school address is 4935 Buckhead Road, Blair, SC, 29015, which is 90 minutes from the Charlotte airport. We provide a free shuttle to and from the airport. The shuttle departs from Charlotte Douglas International airport at 6:00 pm on Wednesday evening Oct 28th, so plan your flights and allow for any delays. If you miss the shuttle, you are responsible for your own transportation to Blair, and we recommend Uber or Lyft. We will provide a free shuttle to the airport on the last day of class (Sunday) which will arrive at the airport at 4 pm, so be sure to schedule your outgoing flight after 5 pm to allow travel time to the airport.
If you are driving, plan on arriving the evening before classes. Try to arrive at the school between 6 pm and 7 pm if possible.
Food and Lodging
Private rooms with baths are available as an add-on for students who wish to reside at the school during classes. You will want to arrive the evening before the classes and depart on the last day of class.
Breakfast is at 8:30 am, Lunch is at 1:00 pm, and Dinner is served at 7:30 pm. If you have special dietary requirements, you must notify us when you enroll to ensure we can prepare properly for your attendance.
Virtual Option
We offer this workshop as a virtual workshop too. Materials and supplies are sent directly to your door and the class is broadcast to you via Zoom. For 3-D models or figures, you will need to supply your own, as well as an airbrush rig and paint. Click here for more information about our virtual workshops.
