Avoiding Masking

[st.bede]

I do not want to tape or mask. I am trying to get enough control to minimize the mixing of colors. I would like to be able to keep things clean. I think it can be done. For example: if I know exactly where the paint will spray and use a soft thin line to start filling in a space, it logically would work.

Is it possible?

Are there any tricks or techniques I should know about?

If it is not possible (to be that precise), then is there any approaches that would help facilitate (or get closer to achieving) the desired ends?

I have tried to use a French curve, I feels like I would have to make my painting using the curves to start with. I do not know if that makes sense. If I draw a shape, the curves do not match. Is there any examples if how to use a French curve to mask off a boundary that would help me?

Any knowledge, experience, thoughts, or ideas are appreciated and gratefully respected by me.

Thank you

 

[Ronald art]

I hardly ever use tape or masking if I paint portraits and use shields if I need sharper lines , I have the french curves but like you stated the curves hardly ever match up so I dont use them
custom painting however is a different matter and I do use tape and masking when I need straight and sharp lines

 

[DaveG]

This is probably not the best visual example, because I was trying to replicate a loose watercolor feeling, but if you can click through the photo's, I tried to describe the process I use using loose paper masks... hope it helps!

https://www.facebook.com/davegs.airbrush.exploration/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1234046663367586

 

[st.bede]

Thank you both...

Dave, I scrolled through a lot of pics but was not able to find your example or description of lose paper masks. (... lots of airbrushes, parts and cool holders ).

Thank you Roland. Anything I should know other then: lots of practice?

 

[DaveG]

Thank you both...

Dave, I scrolled through a lot of pics but was not able to find your example or description of lose paper masks. (... lots of airbrushes, parts and cool holders ).

Thank you Roland. Anything I should know other then: lots of practice?

Oh, if you click the individual photo's, they should open in a new window with a description on the right. In albums, there s generally quite a bit of information attached to each photo in that album.

 

[Ronald art]

DaveG has you covered on the masking only thing I can add is the matter of over spray : if you paint free hand for most of the time like I do you can either use the over spray to your advantage but in that case you need to be able to erase your paint if you cant erase the paint you will need to mask parts off or spray away from the part you dont want any over spray and yes practice is key it teaches you how your paint acts and how your airbrush works

 

[DaveG]

One more thing about over spray, you can help to limit it by altering the direction of your spray. If you turn your work, so that you are spraying towards the center of your shape, or color, you will limit the amount of unwanted over spray around it.

 

[Leakyvalve]

get the Daniel Powers airbrushing DVD series if you can find it.

 

[musicmacd]

I use paper shields to protect anything that needs to stay “clean”
I test the area by spraying air - if I can feel the air where I don’t want paint to go then overspray would be an issue if that makes sense. Overspray destroys painting with ease

 

[Franc Kaiser]

My biggest challenge with airbrush is getting a clear edge done. It’s the opposite to when I used to paint with oils (where blending was a pain in the neck). I cannot get a really clear, well-defined area done with the brush I got (a 0.2 mm Procon ps-270), and the eye still subconsciously sees the blurred areas. I do basically everything freehand, but for selected parts I use a French curve for very small sections that I work on maybe a few millimeters at a time, and I use it more as a shield (putting it on its edge rather then lay it down) than a mask. You can use French curves even for forms that don't correspond exactly in the shape - you simply slide the curve along whilst you’re spraying.

 

[st.bede]

Thank you all. You guys are awesome.

 

[AndreZA]

get the Daniel Powers airbrushing DVD series if you can find it.

I'm agreeing with you. Just his cut and blend technique was worth the money.

 

[jord001]

Card from a breakfast cereal box is great stuff to make shields out of. stiffer than paper but easy to cut and lasts for ages as long as you don't saturate it.

Lee

 

[wickedartstudio]

Great advice already given above and the answer to your question is, yes! It is absolutely possible! The art of working freehand with clean results takes practice just like anything else and there are tips and techniques that help accomplish that. Pointing your airbrush in the direction you want the overspray to go has already been mentioned. That's a big part of it. Using freehand shields is another important technique to master when it comes to airbrushing freehand. I normally prefer purchased freehand shields compared to cutting masks because they will last a lifetime (provided you buy quality plastic or Mylar shields). They are an investment that pays off over, and over again! If you choose to purchase freehand shields, buy generic shapes (instead of skulls or something to that effect). The generic shapes can be used on everything you do. I'm not a fan of French curves simply because they are too rigid. You mentioned not having the correct shape when you've attempted to use a French curve. That is normal. The trick is to paint a small portion of what you need while controlling the overspray, then reposition the shield and continue painting another small portion of the shape and/or line you need. In a short time, you will complete what you're trying to accomplish. I'll add a portrait video I did years ago. There is no instruction in this particular video, but this portrait was completed without any masking whatsoever. I started with a light sketch on the canvas and airbrushed the entire design with the help of freehand shields. It's all paint. I didn't even use erasing techniques on this painting. The video is kind of a time-lapse. So, you won't get to see everything, but pay attention when I'm rendering the shadow under her nose. I didn't have a freehand shield in that exact shape and repositioned the shield a few times to make it work. Hope that helps!