Additional Support Worker David Crossley has adapted his former profession as a tattoo artist, to create an exciting new Introduction to Airbrushing evening course at Forth Valley College.
To illustrate the technique and also raise awareness of what is involved, David has created an airbrushed helmet in tribute to those suffering due to the War in Ukraine, which he hopes to auction off online and raise a minimum of £1,200 for charities associated with the conflict.
Applications for a new intake of students is now underway for a Thursday 9 March start (6-8pm) and eight places are up for grabs at the FVC Falkirk Campus. The course will teach basic techniques of airbrushing metal, wood, plastic, and other surfaces, as well as looking at body art, cakes using edible dyes.
Army veteran David, who worked as a tattoo artist for 30 years before volunteering at FVC for two years and then becoming an Additional Support Worker, has always kept up his artistic work as a serious hobby.
He said: “I taught myself airbrushing and I enjoy it and found it to be a great way to de-stress. I then realised it would be a good idea to create an evening class for other to learn the skill and relax as well and to teach them the right way to do it.
“Anyone with an interest in art and looking to learn a new skill and technique would be suited to applying for this course. Hopefully all going well, we can run a more advanced course in Airbrushing in the months to come.”
Turning to the auction helmet which took him eight hours to complete, David added: “Bike and military helmets are the hardest things to airbrush, as you need a good eye and a good standard of skill to do it right.
“As an ex-soldier I know that in war it is not just the military who suffer, but it is civilians, children and grannies. So I have deliberately chosen images from the internet which tie in with the kids in Ukraine and putting across not only the desperation, but also a sense of hope.
“I want to put it up for silent auction online soon and all funds will go towards charities focussing on Ukraine. The last two airbrushed helmets I did sold for £1,200, so I am hoping to get at least that amount for this one.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Introduction to Airbrushing course should visit the course page here or e-mail David.crossley@forthvalley.ac.uk or jackie.innes@forthvalley.ac.uk
