FEMALE PORTRAIT
WORKSHOP
WITH DRU BLAIR
Step By Step Instructions
Dru Blair shows you how to create a photorealistic portrait from start to finish.
Color Theory
Comprehensive and easy to understand. Learn all you need to know about color in one day.
Are you ready
to create a photorealistic
portrait painting?
Perhaps you realize that you are
capable of greater paintings, but
you haven’t quite figured everything
out yet. We can change that for you.
Feeling like your portraits could look better?
You aren’t alone. Most artists reach a certain level, but don’t know where to go next. You try experimenting, hoping to stumble across real answers, but you aren’t satisfied.
Slow growth?
Eventually, you realize that it's going to take years to figure everything out, and with NO guarantee of success. In the meantime, you STILL aren't getting paid what you are worth.
Do you want your portraits
to be true to life?
You've probably seen some amazing art posted on social media, and wondered what it would take to create something equal to, or better than, the best that’s out there.
Airbrushing evolved: Welcome to the Next Level
Imagine being able to paint whatever you want, as realistically as you please, with perfect color matching, even with transparent paint. Introducing the most comprehensive airbrush workshops ever.
It's time to raise your game.
We make portrait painting simple, easy and clear. That's one of the many reasons we are considered the best airbrush school in the world.
Imagine what you will do when you have had the right training.
Without training, you could spend years (or more likely, decades) trying to unlock all the secrets of realistic painting. Now it’s possible for you to reach your artistic potential in a fraction of the time that it would take if you tried it on your own.
Color theory that solves all your color matching challenges
Learn all about Color Buffer Theory, Perceptual awareness, 21 elements of vision, Transparent vs Opaques,10 rules of Realism, Dot of Death recovery exercise, and how to begin a portrait... and that's on the first day!
Everything you need: provided
We aren’t just limited to teaching you all about the airbrush. We include a variety of other art tools to help you make your present and future artwork the best possible.
What you will learn
01
The 21 elements of photorealistic painting
In order to re-create reality, we must first be able to see and understand reality. Most of how we see is unconscious and subject to misinterpretation. This makes it difficult to observe reality as it actually is. Fortunately, we will show you techniques that will help you overcome those limitations.
02
The 8 differences between Opaque and Transparent
There are a lot of opinions as to which is better. The answer is that each possesses unique characteristics which need to be considered first. You will learn all the differences, and when and why to use each.
03
Color Buffer Theory
Our original theory was initially conceived in the eighties and is now practiced in some form all over the airbrush world. This is a practical approach to color and color mixing that actually corresponds to the way paint behaves. It is comprehensive in scope, yet simple and easy to understand.
04
How to use the Color Wheel
The color wheel is a compass. We will show you how to choose the right color wheel and how to use it correctly. It can be your best aid when mixing and matching colors.
05
Want to use transparent paint accurately?
We will show you how to match colors perfectly using only transparent paint.
06
Understanding simultaneous contrast and the role it plays in your paintings
Simultaneous contrast is the illusion that colors close to each other seem more different than they actually are. We will show you how to identify and harness this problem with color discrimination and turn it into one of your most powerful assets.
07
Your 5 choices when you make a mistake
Sooner or later, we all make painting mistakes. If you don’t know how to repair a mistake, your painting will be compromised. We will teach you several ways to repair a mistake, so you will always choose the correct one for your painting.
08
5 methods to transfer the image to your painting
We will show you how to maintain your proportions when transferring your photograph to the painting surface. Learn which ones are most effective.
09
5 different ways to use a shield
Some edges are soft, some are hard, and some are in between. You will learn the shield techniques you need to create every type of edge.
10
Creating the Eye
We will take an in-depth look at the eye, and how to best render it. You will learn several different techniques to create lashes too, as well as the “magic” paint formula for lashes and brow color.
11
When to use the bounce method
There are several ways to utilize a hand-held shield. Here you will learn to add subtle changes with the bounce method while using masks.
12
Tool introduction
We don’t limit your training to just the airbrush. There are many tools that complement the airbrush, and we want you to be able to enjoy having them in your arsenal. You will also learn the results for each tool, so you will know which tool is best for each situation.
13
3 eraser techniques that will make a difference in your art
The eraser is a versatile instrument, and when properly used, it can blend softly or cut like a knife. We will show you how to get the most out of your eraser.
14
Using the blade correctly
The blade can be a wonderful ally, but it will destroy your painting if you don’t use it correctly. Here we will show you exactly how to hold it, and how to use it on different surfaces.
15
6 rules to make hair look real
Follow these rules when creating hair for great results. Also you will learn some extra tips for greater realism.
16
4 differences between Frisket and paper
Frisket can be one of the best tools for creating crisp edges, but it can also cause problems with your painting surface. Paper has its advantages and disadvantages as a mask too. You will learn all about both types.
17
Managing edges and transitions
The trickiest part of airbrushing is controlling edges. Adjusting existing edges is often necessary, but can be a bit tricky. We will teach you how to change the sharpness or softness of an edge, even after you’ve created it.
18
5 masking techniques that work
A mask can be used in a variety of ways. For example, you could use split paper/frisket techniques, shield reveal or shield conceal methods to create a line. You will learn which masks are best for any given situation.
19
How to create skin texture
Skin is a complex, translucent, and textured surface. We will show you several ways to quickly achieve photorealistic skin.
20
Buffered Contrast Reduction, and how to use it
Contrast, along with proportions, and edges, can make or break a painting. Controlling contrast is simple using Buffered Contrast Reduction. We will explain what it is and how to use it.
21
How to find and fix problems in your paintings
Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees, and often mistakes go unnoticed. We will show you a simple technique that allows you to quickly spot problem areas that you would have otherwise overlooked.
22
How to develop observation techniques to expand your visual discrimination
Its difficult to paint anything accurately until you can really see it. We will teach you how to visually dismantle an object, then reassemble it on the painting surface.
23
Selling your work
Learning about the business of art and marketing allows you as an artist to earn money for your creations. You will learn about pricing, galleries, copyright, prints, giclées, originals, artist representatives, and most importantly, how to negotiate.
State of the Art Classroom
unlike any other on the planet
Color corrected lighting. Central Ventilation
On-site lodging on a 120-acre campus
nestled in a National Forest
What students are saying
I attended Dru's workshop with the hope of learning to paint, I left with the ability to "see" and a system that allowed me to develop my own understanding of painting and colours. Your system has given me the freedom to explore my own creativity.
Paul MacDonald
(Airvengers) Australia
Dru's teachings showed me how to create great detail and gave me the ability to achieve PHOTOREALISM in my artworks. Thank you for pioneering the world of photorealism in airbrushing, I doubt I would have got here without your long nights and many experiments .
David Naylor
Spain
Dru's workshop influenced the way I paint and gave me some new concepts, knowledge and skills to implement into the way I worked today I recommend it!
Mitch Lowther
(Airbrush tutor) Australia
Why should you take this class? Consider your options:
Option 1. You could give up on your dreams and continue doing what you are doing, but let's be frank. No one wants to spend the rest of their life wondering "what if?" You are here because you believe that you deserve to be a better artist than what you are now. You aren’t the kind of person who’s going to settle for mediocrity.
Option 2. You could try practicing on your own hoping to figure it out someday. It's very difficult and time-consuming without all the shortcuts that we could show you, but it's an excellent choice if you have all the time in the world.
Option 3. Enroll in this course and enjoy the benefits of step-by-step guided instruction. You get what you need without wasting years or possibly a lifetime of guessing. If you don’t have time to travel to our workshops, try our Classroom in a box series and learn from home.
Our
Guarantee
We are so sure that we offer the best airbrush course in the world that we are willing to offer you tuition money back if you don’t notice an immediate improvement in your art, and in the way you see color after taking this course.
Dru Blair on fear & art
Painting true to life portraits
You will learn a lot of techniques in your workshop, but the most valuable lesson gained is for you to better understand and see the world differently, especially when it comes to color.
We will give you the power to create or re-create reality with stunning photorealism, and at a level no other airbrush workshop in the world offers. A photorealist painter can easily paint in any style, from abstract to impressionist, and even mimic the old masters' paintings. The choices are limitless.
As artists, we take our inspiration from the visual world around us and re-create it on board, metal, or canvas. At the Blair School, we would like to show you how to do it more successfully.
Getting here
The school address is 4935 Buckhead Road, Blair, SC, 29015, which is 90 minutes from the Charlotte airport. Students are responsible for their own transportation from the airport, and we recommend Uber or Lyft. We will provide a free shuttle to the airport on the last day of class (Sunday) but be sure to schedule your flight after 5 pm to allow travel time to the airport.
Plan on arriving the evening before classes. Try to arrive at the school between 5 pm and 7 pm if possible, at the Charlotte, NC airport.
Food and Lodging
Private rooms with baths are available as an add-on for students who wish to reside at the school during classes. You will want to arrive the evening before the classes and depart on the last day of class.
Breakfast is at 8:30 am, Lunch is at 1:00 pm, and Dinner is served at 7:30 pm. If you have special dietary requirements, you must notify us when you enroll to ensure we can prepare properly for your attendance.
We offer this workshop as a virtual workshop too. Materials and supplies are sent directly to your door and the class is broadcast to you via Zoom. Click here for more information about our virtual workshops.
