Photographics 10, Photography 20, 30 and Graphic Arts 20, 30

Module 53: Advanced Airbrush Skills (Optional)

Suggested time: 15-20 hours
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Module 45

Foundational Objectives

To foster an awareness of quality as it pertains to image development and production.
To develop an understanding of the impact of new technologies on the photography and graphic arts industry.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To develop skill using tools, materials and techniques used in the industry. (TL)
To develop an understanding of how knowledge is created, evaluated, refined and changed within graphic arts. (CCT)

Learning Objectives	Notes
53.1 To select a subject for an illustration of a face.	The selected subject should have shadow areas on the face to emphasize characteristics and facial details. Have the students begin by working from a photograph as their model. A line sketch should be prepared of the selected model on illustration board or airbrush paper. Students should consider and discuss the different techniques that will be used to create a two dimensional representation of a face that appears three dimensional.
53.2 To mix colours for air brush application. (NUM)	The use of an airbrush often requires the mixing of paints to lighter or darker shades. The students will need to practise measuring paints and keeping track of dilution ratios for various applications.
53.3 To research commercial applications for airbrush technique. (IL)	Have the students conduct research to find commercial market applications for airbrush skills. This might be an opportunity for an entrepreneurial venture that students could design and develop a market for their own product or idea. Examples that might provide some direction include: T-shirt art Goalie masks Motorcycle or bike helmets Airbrush illustrations Posters Model painting Architectural illustrations This might be an excellent project to include in the presentation portfolio to illustrate the student's ability to develop a design or demonstrate teamwork capabilities.
53.4 To demonstrate paint layering using an airbrush to produce a three-dimensional image on a two-dimensional surface.	The focus of the exercise is to paint the face as areas of light and shadow. The lightest areas will be sprayed with paint shaded (flesh tone one) to create the highlight areas to begin the three-dimensional lighting for the face. Mix a second batch of paint to a darker tone (flesh tone two) and continue to work this second layer to enrich the colour of the face. The third mix (flesh tone three, a burnt sienna colour) will be applied to areas of angled deeper shadow to increase the dimensional features of the face. The procedure for layering differs from other painting techniques. Each colour layer is applied completely before the next layer is added, never returning to the lighter colour used previously. This process could be compared to the colour printing process where individual colours are printed separately. Considerations for the addition of facial features. Lips and gums are darker and pinker than flesh tones. Pupils, eyelashes, corners of the mouth, and dark areas of the ear are hand brushed. Hair is painted freehand in several layers using long rapid parallel, and perhaps, wavy passes of paint. Dark hair is made beginning with an undertone of colourful highlight with the majority of darker tones (black, brown) layered on top of the highlight. Light hair has a white or luminous quality with darker highlight colour tones. Cheek highlights are added using transparent white. Hand brushing is used for catch-lights in the eyes and glistening shine on the lips.