One of the more fascinating methods of art we took in at Art Expo was the beautiful and intricate drizzle art of Andrew Baird from Evergreen, Colorado. These paintings you see behind Andrew and A.D. are done 100% in just drizzled paint. Up close, the texture is uniquely abstract, but stand back and see the true intent of the work - a gorgeously rendered portrait.
It takes Andrew about six weeks to complete one painting. We asked him what inspired him to paint this way and he shared the unique evolution of his technique with us. You see, Andrew was once an art teacher in his home town of Evergreen, CO. One day he decided to challenge his students to draw a portrait using only scribbles. Inspired by the results he got from his students as well as his own experience with the exercise, he decided to try using paint. Then one painting after another followed the experiment and a wonderful art career emerged.
“I continue to build layers of color until I recognize that the painting has that perfect quality I’m seeking. The process is intriguing to me… and the end result surprises and fascinates me. I like it that people find it interesting to study each painting, to think about its creation and to trace the lines of paint.” And we did. Thanks for sharing Andrew and best of everything in your career…
The first day of Art Expo 2007 - we made some new friends. If you have children or were ever one yourself you are probably familiar with a popular TV character by the name of Big Bird of Sesame Street. Known now to adults everywhere as Caroll Spinney, he is making waves in the art world with his imaginative original drawings and acrylic paintings on canvas…
Spinney’s puppetry was discovered back in 1969 by the legendary Jim Henson. Even then, he was always doing his colorful, whimsical art.
It was really fun to visit with him. He’s a character in and out of his feathers. His fun-loving philosophy on life and art inspired and entertained us - he even treated us to a Big Bird voice over. We wish him well in his fabulous new art career. Cheers to you!
Kathy and Trent Carlini, a fabulous Elvis Impersonator take time for an after-show photo opp. Trent has an amazingly convincing act - a true tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, starting with his early years and progressing through Elvis’ career. We took in the show with Bill Mack and friends - it was unforgettable.
If you’re in Vegas anytime soon, do yourself a favor and catch Trent’s show at the Sahara Theater - It’s not to be missed! Click here for the details.
This year’s International Artexpo played host to over 500 exhibitors. Every type of art imaginable was represented there. Many fascinating artists and their art will grace these pages in the weeks to come.
The second floor view of one of the two immense halls at Artexpo. It seemed like you could walk for miles and fill your eyes with color at every turn.
We know, you visit AirbrushTour for the articles. And what does our pic of the week have to do with airbrush anything? Nothing really. Actually, we couldn’t resist posting this shot because this pic reminds us of the Laughlin River Run motorcycle event, which is just around the corner. We went last year and had a great time, and this year will mark our third trip through this great event. We’ll share new pics from this year’s event, and who knows, hmmm, maybe even an article or two.
Thanks to Liquid Horsepower for their beautiful model.
Click here to see our post of the 2006 Laughlin River Run featuring Hugh King aka the “Chopper King” of Biker Build-off fame, legiondary motorcycle artists David Uhl and Eric Herman, motorcycle custom painters Josie Lawton, Joe Guzman, Shawn Wilkin and others, along with, of course, wild bikes and biker babes (like our featured beauty above). All that and lots of great examples of airbrush art on everything imaginable. This year should be a blast! See ‘ya there.
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Our buddy and airbrush artist extraordinaire, Jason Prouty from back in Portland, OR recently exhibited his awesome automotive art work at the Portland Rod & Custom Show. He has offered some great pics and some thoughts about the show for you here at AirbrushTour. Thanks Jason!
Josh Haynes (left), a UFC ultimate fighter and star of the UFC reality tv show stopped by my booth and his wife took our picture together.
OK, my first show in front of the public, and I was completely overwhelmed (in a good way). The place was jam-packed Sat and Sun and I didn’t stop talking, I had a non-stop crowd in front of my booth. People were waiting in line to talk to me, I never experienced anything like this before. Completely amazing.
Here’s a tribute to my buddy J-D (line straightener).
A Tiki themed board I painted, then Mitch Kim - Northwest’s pintstriping legend - did all the line work on it.
The majority of people I spoke with were impressed with the level of artwork I had on display, and alot said they didn’t know there was anyone around Portland doing this. Most of the folks who talked about there project were excited to meet me, like they finally found the guy to do their project they’ve been dreaming up. I was humbled by all the kind words. This definitely worked for generating business, I’ve got a few bikes already and a murals for a restaurant.
Well, as far as the rest of the show went, there were alot of amazing cars there from all over the west coast, I heard a few folks say this was the best Rod and Custom show they’d seen yet. If you want more info on the Portland Rod & Custom Show, click here.
Anyone who has attended a Dennis Mathewson airbrush workshop, or for that matter, even watched him paint, knows that he knows his stuff when it comes to the art of the dot. Color too, is a specialty for Dennis, and he makes learning color easy for everyone. So, having said that, Dennis just forwarded us his spring class schedule so we could share it with you. The following are the dates of his clinics and workshops. A four-hour commitment for a lifetime of knowledge.
> March 13, 2007 — 4 hour ALSA painting clinic Demo and tricks of the trade night.
APS-Tangent, Oregon
Contact… Roger Darby at 541-917-7496 for registration and more info
> March 14, 2007 — 4 hour ALSA painting clinic Demo and tricks of the trade night.
APS- Clackamas, Oregon
Contact… Lisa Essig 503-722-2827 for registration and more info
> March 15, 2007 — 4 hour ALSA painting clinic Demo and tricks of the trade night.
APS Bend, Oregon
Contact… Jason Tuma 541-389-8467 for registration and more info
> March 17-18, 2007 — Two day intense training- Hands on ALSA custom painting workshop. Learn more than just skulls and flames, learn show winning custom painting tricks and secrets with Dennis’ personal Island twist. Green River Community College, Auburn, Washington
Contact … Wesco Paint at 253-939-2101, Dawn or Jay
Sherwin Williams at 253-473-2262 Angie
> March 21, 2007 — 4 hour ALSA painting clinic Demo and tricks of the trade night.
Desert Art Supplies - Las Vegas, Nevada
Contact… James Walkenshaw 888-725-4666 toll free or 702-451-8040
Visit Desert Art Supply online for more info.
> March 24-25, 2007 — Two day intense training- Hands on ALSA custom painting workshop. Learn more then just skulls and flames, learn show winning custom painting tricks and secrets with Dennis’ personal Island twist.
Contact… James Walkenshaw 888-725-4666 toll free or 702-451-8040
Visit Desert Art Supply online for more info.
Check out the Cosmic Airbrush web site for more on Dennis Mathewson and his airbrush workshops. Pass along a friendly ‘aloha’ from us.
Want more? Check out the ALSA Video Library for a plethora of of step-by-step videos.
Airbrush Action magazine delivered again with the Airbrush Getaway, March 5-9, 2007, at The Orleans Hotel in fabulous Las Vegas!
As some may know, we’re Las Vegas locals now, so stopping in for a visit seemed like the right thing to do. It was a great chance to catch up with some old friends and get inspired at the same time. There is a ton of talent at these events and this was no exception. And although our visit was far too short for time, we were able to peek over the sholder of some of the legiondary old school painters and new alike. If you’re into hands-on talent, and learning from some of the best airbrush artists and pinstripers anywhere, this is the place to be.
Cliff Stieglitz, Publisher and Executive Editor of Airbrush Action magazine, and crew, have pulled it all together again to create a truly-unique world-class airbrush experience. This one is bigger and better than some of past. I’ve been to a couple of these before (as an instructor mostly), so I can say with some experience that this event has come as long way since my last visit to a getaway. The larger classroom area is huge and well ventilated. Student attendance was large - Cliff says 175 students in all, so the extra space is great. Needless to say, the instructors were world-class (as always). So, all-in-all, there was plenty of room, and an abundance of talent to compliment the great work being created by airbrush students. Students and instructors alike came from everywhere to make this a successful event.
Dave Monnig from Coast Airbrush was prepared, as always, with literally everything an airhead needs to get ‘er done. Here, we take pause with a Deborah Mahan airbrushed mannequin - always a favorite.
Blake McCully from Cross-Eyed Airbrushing out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada was on hand teaching his style of radically detailed airbrushing, which he’s been doing strong since 1989.
Catching up with Craig Fraser - a regular at these events, who was on hand teaching his skills to a full class of ready students. Craig’s classes are legendary, as is his work and resume among the airbrush community. Check out Craig’s site for workshop information. While you’re there, check out his airbrush forum site… the Kustom Kulture Lounge.
It was great catching up with John Hannukaine, who traveled from Tumwater, WA for his first Airbrush Action Getaway. But, by no means was this his first run at teaching. John has been instructing students in the art of old-school pinstriping through quality craftsmanship for years. In fact, the internationally known pinstripe guru has written and been included in several books on the art of pinstriping. Anyone wanting to learn pinstriping from a true master would do well to attend one of John’s workshops. Hopefully, we’ll see him back at the Getaways.
Half-artist and half-scientist — Javier Soto keeps it all together, and definitely wins the award for bringing the most Iwata airbrushes.
The always-busy Jonathan Pantaleon takes a pause to show his art panels. Click out his latest projects at JPantaleon.com including portraits, motorcycle tanks, murals and some amazing airbrushed body art. Hey, what’s not to like?
The infamous Dru Blair - renown Master of hyper-realism - instructs his class on what it takes to “get real”. If you really want to learn color, check out Dru Blair’s workshops – either at his studio in NC or at one of the Airbrush Action Getaways. Mr. Blair is renown to be one of the best instructors on color anywhere, and his paintings are so realistic that they are often mistaken for photos. When you visit his site, you’ll see what we mean. star Trek fans and those of beautiful women alike will appreciate Dru’s online portfolio.
Lights, camera, paint. When Dru sets up shop, he sets up shop. The digital camera and projection system make you feel like you’re standing right over his shoulder. Color correct lights too - nice, very nice.
Bren Sutherand, A.D. Cook and Dave Monnig of Coast Airbrush - one last shot before hitting the road.
As we depart from the event I can’t help but be taken in by Leroy Anderson’s (of Sin City Customs) beautiful flamed rod parked outside of The Orleans entrance - a very fitting and cool way to end a great visit.
AirbrushTour showcases all types of airbrush talent, along with other creative and artistic disciplines. We also share fun events and the latest happenings in the airbrush community and paint industries. As we travel, we bring talented artists' work and the events of Las Vegas-based artist and photographer A.D. Cook to you.
AirbrushTour also features posts about motorcycles and hot rods, and the events that surround them, and some great travel pics of exciting places from all over the USA, so come along and share with us in America's passion for airbrush art.
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