Airbrush painting is an art like any other, requiring talent and skill; but it is also a technology that, more than other art forms, calls for technical mastery of equipment used in the process. JoAnn Bortles, one of the top airbrush artists in the United States, has developed a teaching curriculum for mastering both the technology and techniques needed to be a successful airbrush artist-an approach that frees her students to develop their own airbrush art. How to Master Airbrush Painting Techniques presents this curriculum in a logical, step-by-step fashion. Along with guiding readers through a series of projects, Bortles also provides all the knowledge needed for developing projects. Not only does her book explain what to do in a clear, easy-to-follow way, it explains why.
I starting painting custom cars and motorcycles in 1979. I had no previous experience and learned everything by trial and error. There were lots of errors. In fact there were times I wanted to quit and did, vowing never to paint another car or motorcycle. But somehow, I always came back to it.
After so many years of learning very hard lessons in the custom industry, it is very gratifiying to be able to pass those lessons onto others. In 2003 I had the opportunity to do so and accomplish one of my dreams. I was given the chance to work with Motorbooks Publishing and write my first book, "How to Custom Paint Your Motorcycle." I had always dreamed of being a writer. Since then I have had 6 books published, the latest being, "Advanced Airbrush techniques," and two of my books have been translated into Japanese.
In 2007 I was very proud to have myself and my work featured in Southern Living magazine. It was first time in the history of this lifestyle and design magazine, that they featured an individual who worked in the custom automotive and motorcycle industry. And also in 2007 NBC News came to my shop and filmed. This piece was shown on NBC's Today Show in July 2007 and can still be seen on MSNBC's Video website.
Another proud goal was having a car my company painted win one of PPG's 2006 Top 5 Most Outstanding Paint awards, appearing in their Vibrance product advertising in 2006. Our work has won a number of awards over the years including winning several championships.
I also work as a photo-journalist for some of the leading motorcycle magazines such as American Iron, which is the number one selling motorcycle magazine in the world. I am currently testing riding gear for Harley Davidson Motor Company, which will be a series of articles for Cycle Source magazine. And I enjoy interviewing other people in the industry and recently interviewed Kris Krome, winner of the AMD Metric Motorcycle World Championship, for Cycle Source.
Another lifelong goal was accomplished in 2004 when my own personal custom motorcycle was featured on the cover of Easyriders magazine, making me the first woman whose own motorcycle was on the cover in the history of this 38 yr old magazine.
The goal of my books, is to keep others from making the same mistakes I did. the way I see if, if I can do do. Then you can do it. I can teach almost anyone to custom paint.
