There was a challenge in a creative group the other day. The challenge was to use some supplies you hadn't for a long time. I decided to pull my airbrush supplies out of retirement.
In the Studio
I was hoping that we would be able to create an airbrush set up in the upstairs studio. One of those that have the filter attached to the work table. I also have an exhaust fan I had bought quite some time ago but just haven't been able to get it installed. It would take several days to get that done so, it is also collecting dust.
With the challenge presented to me though, I decided to just grab my airbrush supplies anyways. I had to work in the garage though, with garage door open and box fans on. The weather had cooled down a bit so there wasn't many wasps out either. I certainly didn't want any flying insects to join. I'm allergic to them things.
Here are my airbrush cleaning brushes. They come in very handy.
The airbrush, was pretty much in perfect working condition. The ComArt paints worked great and with no clogs. The compressor started doing its on/off cycle constantly, which wasn't right. The Createx paints, which usually run fine in it without any clogs, caused it to seize up.
It wasn't until later that I realized that besides a good cleaning, from being in retirement so long, the airbrush might be fine.
Most the paints were still in excellent condition. Some, not so much. That was to be expected though. I know I took good care of my supplies, but with time they could still be affected.
As it turned out, my Iwata Smart Jet compressor wasn't working correctly. After some more troubleshooting, it turned out the moisture trap is cracked and needs replaced. It's an old compressor by now and it has to be just weather fluctuations that caused it. I had brought it upstairs some time ago though. All I know is I've been very careful with it and took good care of it.
The layering of colors went fine but once it was time for the lines, it only took a short moment before the paint (Createx) clogged and sputtered. Nonetheless, In the spirit of sharing my work, here is a photo.
Random Thoughts and Not So Random Thoughts
During my airbrush session I realized how much I had missed airbrushing. At first I was a bit like, what am I doing here? Muscle memory for the win! All of a sudden I found myself back-flushing the airbrush when needed, and I was controlling the trigger like I used to, as if I hadn't taken years off.
For now, I have to again put it on the back burner though. /disappointed face. I cannot use the compressor until we fix it. I also can't completely clean the airbrush until we get that fixed. I would like to be able to run airbrush cleaning solution through it.
Enjoy your day!
Kanweienea Kreations
Artist. Animal lover. Swedish-American.
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