Airbrushing Motorcycles

An Interview With Artist Ed Kaplan

I interviewed professional Queens, New York based airbrush artist Ed Kaplan about his craft of airbrush art and design. Ed Kaplan, an above average airbrush artist, has the skills of a modern day artisan; with many of his air-bushed creations highly detailed works of fine art.

How did you first get into airbrushing?

I was introduced to airbrushing in college in 1990, but didn't really take to it at that time. I was living out west (Portland Oregon). A few years later when I had the opportunity for a job in a custom paint shop painting cars and motorcycles, I needed to improve my skills with the airbrush. I worked with it for about two weeks and did a painting of a bald eagle. I brought it into the shop to show the owner. He loved it and hired me to work for the shop.

Have you had any formal art training?

I did get an Associates Degree in Advertising Art and Design from Suny Farmingdale, though design and drawing classes are important for creating good art. I don't think the airbrush class helped me very much. As a matter of fact, I think it left me frustrated with using an airbrush. I never thought I would work with one again.

How did you get your start airbrushing?

At the time I was kind of homeless (I set my apartment on fire by accident) and jobless, living in a building under renovation. I had done some regular painting work for the super of the building and he let me stay there. I answered a help wanted ad for a sign painter. The owner really liked my portfolio of paintings and wanted to use me not as a sign painter but to custom paint airbrushed murals. I just needed to add airbrush to my work, so I told myself I was going to learn how to use the airbrush if it was the last thing I did. I had my mother send me my airbrush and compressor still in storage from college. I set up a little studio in the building where I was staying, and with time on my hands and a place to work, I practiced for many hours, till I got it down.

How would you describe your air brushing in comparison to other types of art, such as regular painting?

I always incorporate regular painting with my airbrush work, it's never exclusively airbrush, but there are certain things such as blends that cannot be done without the airbrush. Also, when working on vehicles, I need to use an airbrush to keep the paint from building up. When painting on canvas I don't have to worry about building up texture, but with vehicles getting a clear-coat over all artwork it must stay smooth. Also when airbrushing, I may need to cut masks to prevent overspray from getting on to areas of the painting that I don't want. Cutting stencils is timing consuming and not fun. With canvas painting it's not as critical because I can always go back with a paint brush to touch up.

What are your favorite types of subjects to airbrush?

I guess portraits are my favorite. I say that because I have done a lot, but I don't think I really have a favorite subject. The image itself needs to be the inspiration.

What is the hardest?

Portraits are definitely the hardest. If something is slightly out of proportion, then the whole thing is wrong.

What is the easiest?

The sky and clouds are the easiest to paint because of the blending that you need to achieve. It's like the airbrush was specifically made to do this. It can be done very quickly with nice results.

What has been your strangest request?

I thought the strangest request I got was to paint portraits of three young brothers about three, five and seven years old. The mother wanted the portraits of each child done on the back of their own white denim jackets.

What types of objects do you airbrush?

I have airbrushed many different objects over the years, including: interior and exterior buildings, windows, canvas, motorcycles, cars, trucks, hockey masks, welding masks, etc.

Where are you located?

I'm located in Queens New York. Website: www.cycopaint.com