Love painting minatures?
In just 4 days you will learn how to control, troubleshoot your airbrush, to finally give you the freedom to create monumental works.
Why use the airbrush?
It's no secret that the airbrush can more quickly and more accurately reproduce the illusion of reality on any scale. You will experience no more thick layers of paint hiding physical details, no more brush strokes, and you'll be able to appy paint much faster.
New to airbrush? New to traditional brushwork?
No problem. This course is designed with the novice in mind. Dru and his staff will teach you all you need to know step by step. You will be amazed at his clear and simple methods.
Supplies included
We take care of everything in the classroom, from paint, to surfaces to airbrushes. All you need to bring is your desire to learn. Of course, you are also welcome to bring along your won projects.
Getting great results is easier than you think
If you are a beginner, don't worry. We've got your back. We will show you techniques that make it easy for anyone to enjoy success. You might not believe that you can do this, but we'll guarantee your success.
Paint something monumental
We will give you the tools and knowledge to make a statement with your miniatures that's worthy of a gallery. Finally the paint will be worthy of your construction.
Designed for Beginners
This class is full of techniques and tricks that are not taught anywhere else in the world. Its a wonderful marriage between the airbrush and the 3D model. You will surprise yourself with the results.
Color theory that solves all your color matching challenges
Fear of color will be a thing of the past. Learn all about recreating brushstrokes similar to the old Masters, and how to take your painting to the next level!
Eliminate bad habits forever
If you are self-taught, there is a possibility that bad habits might be interfering with your results. We can identify and correct those problems quickly.
Over 44 Hours of instruction
You've probably heard that our classes run late. That's because there is so much content that we want to share with you. There are no distractions in Blair, and it's easy to focus on your painting. Many students would paint all night if they could.
What you will learn
01
Proper airbrush technique
This includes holding the airbrush, controlling the air and paint, loading the airbrush, setting the pressure.
02
Paint reduction
Different brands require different reduction ratios, while some lines require no reduction at all. We will explain how to set the proper reduction.
03
The 8 differences between Opaque and Transparent paint
When should you use transparent paint or glaze, and when should you use opaque paint? Each has unique characteristics which need to be considered first. You will learn all the differences, and when and why to use each.
04
Surface Preparation
We will show you how get your surface ready to receive paint.
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 painting in shades of grey.
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, its 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
Tool introduction
We don’t limit your training to just the brush and airbrush. There are many tools that 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 in the style of Bouguereau
William Bouguereau's paintings were often inspired by the world around him. Unlike modernism, which was becoming popular at the time, his goal was a celebration of monumental beauty and quality set forth by predecessors. In this workshop, we will uphold that tradition of beauty and quality, while adding modern tools, techniques, and materials.
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 airport at 6:00 pm on Tuesday evening March 12th, 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.
Plan on arriving the evening before classes. Try to arrive at the school between 5 pm and 7 pm if possible, at the Charlotte, NC airport.
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. Click here for more information about our virtual workshops.