Technical IllustrationsIntroductionsRealistically rendering machine parts, mechanisms, or systems requires moreprecision in certain applications than pictorial rendering. In the illustrationsthat appear in operating instructions, manuals, visual aids, or medicaljournals, accuracy and correctness are imperative.TechnicalillustrationsTechnical illustrations factually or symbolically illustrate the construction,function, or operation of a machine, a physical phenomenon, an industrialprocess, or a biological theory. Accuracy is essential. Even the colors of theobject are often dictated by the object itself, leaving little opportunity forcreative licence.The technique used to render technical illustrations depends on the way theillustration is used or reproduced and the time allotted for the job. Airbrushis particularly suited to technical illustration because of its flexibility, ease ofcontrol, shading, and color blending capabilities.Make the initial drawing on paper. Do all corrections on the paper drawingbefore transferring it to illustration board. Any irregularities caused bycorrections, abrasions, and dirt will show on illustration board.Indicatedetailed shading on the paper drawing. Trace the line outline to illustrationboard and ink in using any drafting tools required.Since shading has been predetermined, you may begin airbrushing anywhereon the drawing. Generally, start at the top of the illustration and work downor from the left side to the right in order not to disturb completed areas. Youmay expose more than one section of the drawing if the sections are notadjacent to each other and the spray pattern is not large.Once the drawing is inked onto the illustration board, cover selected areaswith frisket and cut the frisket only along the black outline of the object.Should the frisket pull away some of the black outline, it will be easy tocorrect with an ink pen.In rendering technical illustrations, your knowledge of rendering the fourbasic shapes with an airbrush is invaluable. Approach each section as a basicform remembering always from where the light originates.Continued on next page6-51
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
