Very nice effort brian-- I think you're getting a grasp on this craft quite fast for only two weeks--it sure shows that you could learn..Please try freehand-- I think you will find that it brings more personal satisfaction than working strictly with stencils & tape..but be prepared// you will be forced to rely on the fundamentals..As for paint--I use anything I've got & many times it's ordinary craft paint--you will suffer tip dry with anything you use & 4-5 minutes is way to long to wait to clean your tip.. I'm not even aware of it, but I clean the tip very often--probably each time I stop to think & take a deep breath..Learn to paint with anything you have!!--the airbrush is designed to spray anything of thin consistancy--I believe new airbrushers rely far too much on expensive equipment & paint supplies to gain success in their painting--when what it really takes is practice..
here I go again!!