I am a OLD airbrusher started in 78 and I only owned ONE compressor, used it about 30 times.
Most of my work has been in the Taxidermy field, also have done motorcycle fenders and tanks.
I use CO2 as my air supply, It's inexpensive, requires absolutely NO maintenance and is DEAD quiet, works anywhere and no worry of fires when using lacquer based paints.
You can rent the tank from a welding supply company or beer/pop distributor. For the price of a decent air compressor you can have a LOT of clean dry, quiet, dry and dependable air.
I still have the gauges I bought in 78 and they are working fine. Make sure you get the dual gauges.
This is a GREAT alternative to buying a compressor.