Beuller here. If you don't have any air leaks and you can't get more than 22 psi from that compressor, my guess is that either it or its regulator it has a problem. On the bright side, the Talon will spray fine with 22 psi.
Don't be afraid of airbrushing. The Talon is tough. You won't break it. And, if you do, parts are cheap. Get some food colors or ink and practice on paper towels. When you feel good about that, try real paint on junk plastic. It may be a while before you can do portraits on cigarette lighters, but it's not really that difficult to do a decent paint job on a model.
Don