With the aid of a homemade frisket, I often use an airbrush to establish large gradations in the underpainting stages.

After wanting one for nearly 20 years, I finally decided to buy myself an airbrush. I think I put it off for so long simply because I just didn’t know where to start. You need a lot of stuff, and there are so many different options, that it’s a bit daunting. It can also be expensive, and I’m not the kind of person to drop a lot of money on equipment I know nothing about.

So I did a lot of research… days of research, in fact. And I finally decided on a simple set-up that I feel is an excellent balance between cost and quality, and more than capable of achieving professional results that will surpass my needs (and abilities) for the foreseeable future.

I can go on and on about why I chose this model over that, why this is product good and that one isn’t, what other options there are, etc… But that is a LONG post, and really only adds to the complexity.

So instead, I’m just going to show you what I got.

If any one else is interested in getting an airbrush too, but doesn’t feel like doing the leg work, and would rather trust another artist’s set-up, here is exactly what I purchased. I’ve been using this setup for years now, and am still completely pleased with my selections.

To get started airbrushing, you’ll need:

Compressor with Built-in Regulator, LINK

 

Attach to

 

Quick Release Fitting (Male/Female combo), LINK

 

Attach to

 

Filter/Moisture Trap, LINK

 

Attach to

 

Quick Release Fitting (Male/Female combo), LINK

 

Attach to

 

Iwata Air Hose, LINK

 

Attach to

 

Iwata Quick Release System, LINK

 

Attach to

 

Iwata HP-C Plus Airbrush, LINK

 

Total cost: $340

That’s it! Buy this stuff, attach it in literally that order, and you can be airbrushing with a professional setup tomorrow! Good luck!