[Jimmie Arroyo]

I'd like to throw in my $.02 having been an airbrush artist for many years. It seems at the time that I was airbrushing, trying to get as realistic as possible was the goal of just about every airbrush artist. It was always considered "plastic" and "fake" looking, not more than removing blemishes from Playboy model photos. There was a race to find ways on giving flesh "life". What has to be understood also, that airbrushing was not just to create fine art, it was mostly used to do textile, so creating lifelike images on t-shirts and other material was to impress the client. It was also, and making a HUGE comeback, used for automotive purposes. Any realistic image airbrushed onto the hood of a car would get anyone's attention.

It's also about money. I've never met Dru, but I strongly believe that he would not see himself as a master comprable to the old masters because he can create a phot-realistic image. He's teaching how to airbrush and achieve realistic effects with it. It's simply showing potential airbrush artists what can be done with it. I could see a lot of interest, because of the automotive boom.

Regardless how it's viewed, I give him respect for being able to do it. I got pretty close when I was airbrushing, but would add more painterly effects in the background or in the clothing. All that got me was computer magazines wanting info on what programs I was using to manipulate my photos. As soon as I told them it was airbrushed, not a photo, I did'nt hear from them again.

There are very few airbrush artists that have made a big impact in the art world. H.R. Giger, creator of "Alien" may be the most known. His work surpasses the idea that it has been airbrushed. When airbrushed work is viewed, it is considered "airbrushed", not "acrylic", which has always been it's downfall.

I see nothing wrong with what he's doing. It's not something I would want on my wall, but it's still a great accomplishment.

ps. I actually remember seeing Dru's name in the online list, but he never participated and his name is'nt on the member list. Spooky.