An apparatus and method for forming and controlling a pattern for spraying surfaces with a fluid uses a rotary atomizer spray head having an air shaping ring with shaping air nozzles inclined in a direction of rotation of a bell cup to direct the air onto the cup surface near the cup edge. The air shape ring optimizes the shape air control to create a stable, focused pattern that minimizes robot speed while maintaining high transfer efficiency. Nozzles extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the bell cup can be provided. Selection of the shaping air flow rate produces broad, collapsed and tubular spraying patterns.