An implement slightly larger than a fountain pen. It is a "sophisticated spray gun" that creates a smooth, even toned finish. The device has a barrel that compresses the air and then widens at the end. At the point where the air expands, it combines with paint fed from an attached container. Airbrushing is considered an illustrators' technique because the smooth result is dictated by the machine and not the artist's hand. The airbrush was patented by Charles Burdick, an Englishman, in 1893.