Master the Art of Photorealism: Dru Blair Returns to Rome for an Exclusive Airbrush Masterclass
For artists striving to bridge the gap between a painting and a photograph, one name stands above the rest: Dru Blair. Renowned worldwide as a pioneer of photorealistic painting, Dru Blair has spent decades refining techniques that enable the airbrush to capture the minute details of human skin, texture, and light.
This May, the international airbrush community has a rare opportunity to learn these secrets firsthand. Hosted by AIR - The Airbrush Collective, the Dru Blair Masterclass is coming to the historic city of Rome, Italy, from May 6 through 10, 2026.
Why Study Photorealism with Dru Blair?
Photorealism is more than just "painting what you see"; it is a disciplined approach to understanding color theory, value control, and the physics of light. Dru Blair’s workshops are world-famous for their "no-guesswork" philosophy.
This advanced in-person workshop is specifically designed for intermediate to advanced artists who are ready to push their boundaries. Whether you are a professional illustrator or a dedicated hobbyist, this class focuses on the critical pillars of high-end airbrushing:
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Advanced Portraiture: Learn the intricacies of rendering realistic skin tones, pores, and hair.
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Value and Texture: Master the art of smooth transitions and precise value control to create depth.
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Workflow Efficiency: Discover Dru’s signature problem-solving approach to streamline your creative process.
Event Details: Rome 2026
The setting for this masterclass is the Centro Seraphicum in Rome, providing an inspiring atmosphere for artistic growth.
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Dates: May 6 – 10, 2026
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Location: Centro Seraphicum, Via del Serafico 1, Rome, Italy
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Class Size: Limited to just 20 students to ensure a hands-on, interactive experience with direct, personal feedback from Dru himself.
What to Bring
To ensure students are working with tools they are comfortable with, participants are required to bring their own airbrush. However, to make travel easier for international guests, all other professional materials and paints will be provided on-site.
What to Expect in the Classroom
The Dru Blair Masterclass is an intensive five-day dive into the world of realism. The curriculum includes:
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Live Demonstrations: Watch Dru apply paint in real-time while explaining the "why" behind every stroke.
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Guided Practice: Work on complex portraits with step-by-step guidance.
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Direct Feedback: Receive one-on-one critiques to identify and correct technical habits.
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Paint Control: Refine your trigger finger to achieve microscopic levels of detail.
About the Host: AIR
This event is proudly organized by AIR, an international airbrush education platform and artist collective. AIR is dedicated to elevating the standards of airbrush culture worldwide through high-level training and collaboration with the world's most elite artists. By bridging the gap between masters and students, AIR continues to be a cornerstone of the global airbrush community.
Secure Your Spot
Given Dru Blair's reputation and the limited capacity of 20 students, this course is expected to sell out quickly. If you are ready to master photorealistic painting and transform your airbrush skills, don't miss this opportunity.
Register now at the official course page: Dru Blair Masterclass Roma – May 2026