Airbrushing equipment manufacturer, Anest Iwata and House of Kolor once again teamed up to host a three-day custom paint workshop in January 2008.

Utilising the talents of world renowned US custom paint artists, Craig Fraser and Steve Vandemon, a hands-on workshop was delivered to over 50 custom paint and airbrushing enthusiasts.

Custom painting is sweeping the US, thanks to popular television shows like Pimp My Ride, Biker Build Off and Rides – shows where Craig and Steve are regulars.   If having the Californian-based artists on hand wasn’t inspiration enough, a Ford Territory that was custom painted at the Summernats car festival the previous week was also on display. 

Participants learnt about airbrushing, pinstriping, graphics and metal effects in Australia’s newest state-of-art training facility.  Held at The Automotive Centre of Excellence in Melbourne the centre was a flurry of flames, wild animals and eager artists.

Craig Fraser, known for his signature skull designs, was actually educated in architecture and engineering before taking up airbrushing.  ‘Engineering was too structured for me,’ he said. ‘I like to make up my own rules. But I actually like the functional side of engineering and the creative freedom of airbrushing.’

When not teaching or working as a freelance automotive journalist, Craig is the in-house airbrusher, pinstriper, and co-designer for Kal Koncepts – one of the driving forces in the automotive and motorcycle custom paint industry. 

Steve Vandemon has been painting for about 11 years. He is an accomplished airbrush artist, sculptor, pinstriper, designer and self described “all-around trouble maker”.

The passion Craig and Steve have for airbrushing and custom painting definitely rubbed off on the participants!

As one participant said, ‘This was a fantastic opportunity to learn from the best of the best in custom paint. I’ve had a great time over these three days. I hope to take a lot of what I’ve learnt here back to my shop.’

As well as learning from two of the best in the industry, the participants also had the chance to view and use the latest in airbrush equipment and spray gun technology from the Anest Iwata stable.

This is the third airbrush and custom paint course that Anest Iwata and House of Kolor have co-sponsored and judging by the reaction and interest it certainly won’t be the last.  For all the latest on spray technology and for the dates of the next custom paint event keep your eyes on the Anest Iwata website, www.anest-iwata.com.au.