Airbrush technique

[gdud]

Does anyone know a good way to create detailed airbrush effects? I am trying to create an arrow that splits and has the colors of the branches blend as they join. The "sprayed strokes" effect is too spattery. I tried the gradient mesh, but it creates mesh lines and points that are all over the place and very twisted. I can create the mesh and then edit it point by point, but there must be a better way.

Thanks, G