AIRBRUSH STEP BY STEP MAGAZINE ISSUE #61

Fairy tale characters such as dragons, fairies, monsters, gnomes and strange magical creatures have been inspiring people for centuries. But while in the past, people only ever had their own idea of the shape of these creatures once hearing stories about them, today we get to see a huge variety of fantastic creatures in pictures – in movies, books and illustrations, by artists who put their idea of the character on paper, then bring it to life and spread it via printing processes, digital or film technology. These works and characters inspire us and make us create and our own new creations and creatures.

American airbrush artist Cozmo Colon, for instance, was using a references from the motion picture „Venom“ for his airbrush T-shirt design. Fellow artist Jessie Madera also includes photo references, but she combines them to create her very own horror scenario. Rodrick Fuchs from Canada, on the other hand, is one of the few who can create his own creatures with a drawing pencil. He draws dragons by heart, among other things. As an airbrush artist and custom painter, he uses his drawings as the basis for fantastic illustrations and works of art.

However, one should not forget that fantasy as a genre does not only live from dragons and monsters, but also from strong heroes and beautiful beings. Such a beauty has been created by the Spanish artist Juanjo Baron. Based on a reference photo, he transformed his model into a mysterious fantasy character. Ardy Marjohan from Indonesia, on the other hand, remains completely photorealistic with his “The Walking Dead” hero portrait and devotes special attention to the skin textures and facial features that contribute to the effect of the character.

Fantastic creatures of all kinds also form the basis of life for American illustrator Ed Beard Jr. In the interview, however, he also talks about times when fantasy was not yet in such demand as an art subject, and how he nevertheless made his way to the top of the game and fantasy industry.

And now, let’s get some inspiration from our magazine and the featured artists, and take a trip into the world of fantastic beasts and beauties!

The ASBS Team



Content
Aktuelles
Airbrushes: Iwata Takumi

Paints: Cyberpunk Red

Accessories: Trigger Happy Needle Cap Keeper, Airbrush Purification Cup, Medea electric eraser, Silhouette Cameo, Cricut Maker

Books: Airbrushing 101, Here There be Dragons Europe Edition

Digital: Xencelabs pen tablet medium bundle



Step by Steps
Red dragon – From concept sketch to dragon illustration Canadian-based artist Rodrick Fuchs is not only a top-notch airbrush artist, but more importantly, he is blessed with a unique talent for drawing. Who can draw a dragon by heart….



Venom – Alien illustration on T-shirt
American airbrush artist Cozmo Colon has created a fan shirt based on the Venom movie poster.



Dark Creature – Horror artwork in grisaille technique
The realistic-looking illustration was designed by US artist Jessie Madera, compiled from various templates on the computer and then implemented in grisaille technique.



Mermaid – Fantasy portrait
Based on a conventional portrait photo, Spanish artist Juanjo Baron has given his model something magical and mysterious.



Daryl Dixon – Photorealistic actor portrait
A fan of „The Walking Dead“ actor Norman Reedus, Indonesian artist Ardy Marjohan took on the challenges of dirty-looking skin tones and highly defined skin textures.



Interview

Inspired by the Renaissance – The Fantasy Art of Ed Beard Jr.
Ed Beard Jr. has been making fantasy art and illustrations for over 40 years – on just about any surface and for over 1,000 products that have been published featuring his work.



Captured creations – The somewhat different artist life of Michael Wood
Michael Wood from Texas has been in prison since 2006. But it’s thanks to his incarceration that he’s been able to airbrush, make art his profession, and even offer commissioned work