How to use Daler-Rowney inks with an airbrush?
Step 1
Test and choose your design
Test the sprays on paper first, and decide on the motive you want to paint. Carleen went for a portrait.
Step 2
Draw the outlines
Draw the outlines of your portrait with graphite pencil and correct until you are happy with the result.
Step 3
Re-draw the outlines with markers
Re-draw the outlines of your portrait with markers. Carleen is using FW Mixed Media Markers filled with FW Ink Black with a chisel nib 1-3mm.
Step 4
Set up your airbrush
Once your outline is ready, set your airbrush on 30-40 PSI for ink, depending on the recommendations of your airbrush producer for ink.
To get used to your airbrush use a blank piece of paper and switch in-between bold thin lines. Paint some basic shapes such as hearts and try to switch the line thickness while painting.
Decide on the transparency of your colours. Daler-Rowney offers different inks ranging from Aquafine (transparent watercolour ink), FW Ink (semi-transparent ink) to System3 Ink (opaque ink) and load your airbrush.
Step 5
Start filling up your outline
Start with filling up your portrait with the lighter colours and set shadows with a darker tone.
Make sure to clean your airbrush head with every new colour you use to guarantee colour brilliance and a good air flow.
Step 6
Create highlights
Once your portrait is fill-up set black and white highlights for more depth and reflections.
Step 7
Correct with markers
Correct details with your markers and sign your artwork.
Congratulations you are done with your first airbrush portrait. Practice makes best, so stay creative and your skills with the airbrush will improve quickly.
Most important, enjoy the process of creation!
System3 Acrylic Ink
Daler-Rowney System3 Acrylic Inks are multi-surface, pigment-based opaque inks, ideal for mixed media and multi-technique applications. The System3 Acrylic Inks are water-based, water-resistant when dry and can be used inside as well as outdoor.
VIEW PRODUCTFW Acrylic Ink
Daler-Rowney FW Acrylic Inks are acrylic based, pigmented, water-resistant artists' inks with a high degree of lightfastness and intermixability. FW Acrylic Ink can be used straight out of the dropper, or diluted to achieve the most subtle of tones.
VIEW PRODUCTAquafine Watercolour Ink
Daler-Rowney Aquafine Watercolour Inks are higly saturated, pigment-based inks that are perfect for a wide range of uses and techniques. The Aquafine Inks can be applied directly using the included dropper or use brushes, paint markers, technical pens or airbrushes.
VIEW PRODUCTAbout the artist
Carleen De Sözer is widely regarded as one of London’s most skilled and diverse aerosol and airbrush artists.