It's been so long since I updated this blog that I forgot I even had it. I'm gonna give it another shot, and see if I can keep this thing interesting for both my potential clients, and other artists just browsing. This is a gun stock I painted for a fellow here in Texas. These things are a bit challenging to paint because of the contours, but lots of fun nonetheless. Gun stock, prep to completion.

Texas Bound

I finally made it to Texas. I got my feet wet at Traders Village in San Antonio, as I make my way through south Texas visiting family and friends. I plan to open my shop in Round Rock, maybe even Austin.The weather is great, and the people are warm, and I'm ready to paint. But first, a little trip to Uvalde, where I will spend some time with my Dad's side of the family.

Airbrushed Goalie Mask, JR Admirals

I airbrushed this mask for the goalie from the JR Milwaukee Admirals. I can customize your mask, too. We use only top of the line automotive paints and finishes. Call us 521-636-9461, or write to us today to get started. Click here to go to our main site.

Stars and Straps Airbrushed Helmet

Just finished this one for a lovely lady form Fort Knox, Kentucky. She purchased this helmet as a  gift for her boyfriend. She informs me that he absolutely loved it. The first three pics are before clear.

How to airbrush an eagle and flames on a Harley fairing

Surface: Harley Davidson Electra Glide Fairing

Paints Used: Automotive base coat/clear coat

Instruments: Double action airbrushes, both gravity and siphon feed. Touch-up gun, spray gun, acetate masks.

Duration: I didn't keep track but I would guess 6 hours airbrushing, half-hour clear coating, one hour buffing and polishing.

Cost: $900.00, fairing provided by customer.
 

The first thing you want to do is clean the entire surface with grease and wax remover, then sand the entire surface with 600 grit wet or dry sandpaper. After you apply your base (in this case, black) you can begin airbrushing your design. I start with white base, mixed with just a touch of yellow, to lay out my eagle.

 Next I come in with a yellow mixture and paint in the areas of the eyes and the beak. Also, since I have my yellow mixture on hand, I begin to lay out the flames.

 Now I come in with a brown mixture and start filling in the details of the eyes and beak. One of the advantages to airbrushing is that you can vary the tonal range of a single color simply by adjusting the air pressure and paint volume released from your airbrush.

 I spray some candy yellow over the flames. Not pictured is the tack rag, towels and grease and wax remover that I use between candy coats in order to keep the project as clean as possible before it gets clear coated.

 I come in with a light yellow/white mixture and start adding some highlights to the eagle's face, feathers and flames.

 I then shoot some red candy over the flames.

The red is a little strong so I come in with some yellow and redefine my flames.

 Here is a shot from the other side.

I spray some candy yellow again to give the flames some depth.

 I use a white/yellow mixture to highlight the flames and add some hot spots.

 This is the fairing after clear coat.

 A close up of the face.

A little closer.

Helmet, Wolf with Flames

I painted this helmet for a gentleman from Dubai, who contacted me through my website, milwaukeeairtbrush.com.  I always have fun painting wolves and flames on helmets and this project was no exception. I took pictures throughout the process to give you an idea as to how a paint job developes.
The first thing I do is clean the surface with grease and wax remover, then I mask the areas that are to be protected from paint. Next I sand the entire surface with 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper, using lots of water and making sure no spots are left un-scuffed. I then proceed to paint the wolf and flames with yellow base, adjusting the air pressure on my gun, and the volume of paint to attain a wide range of tones with a single color. I also at this time lay down the initials he requested. I do this in reverse, preserving the black base and painting around the letters, with the flames both behind and in front of them. I the use a darker paint mixture to add some details, and to bring the wolf to life. Then I highlight where necessary. Once I am satisfied with overall look of the wolf and composition of the flames I lay a coat of orange/red candy, followed by additional highlighting., and then a few more coats of candy paint - this time yellow.
The art work is then covered with four coats of urethane clear. Once the clear sets I will sand it down using 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, and buff it to a high gloss, mirror-like finish. The purpose in buffing is to remove any imperfections int he finish, such as orange peel or dust that settles during the clear coat process. Plus, a polished piece is so much smoother than one simply cleared.

  

Cracked takes a crack at bikers

Six Things Nobody Tells You About Owning  A Motorcycle

A light look at some of the unsung realities about being a rider.

But on a serious not, those of you in cars and trucks need to keep your eyes on the fucken road, and be attentive to bikers, children and small animals. I can't tell you how many time I've had to swerve because someone merged into my lane. I for one no longer drive next to cars. I want to be as far in front of, or behind them, as possible.