Studio Visit: Buff Monster – Heavy Metal Ice Cream Smile (9.5)

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Buff Monster’s studio as he prepared for his Heavy Metal Ice Cream Smile solo which opens on Saturday, September 5th (7-10 PM) @ Corey Helford Gallery.  During our visit we watched Buff working on one of his paintings for the show (20 in all) and also learned more about his meticulous process.  Whether he’s painting one of his signature Buff Monster characters, a skull or a Ripper, Buff is obsessed with clean, flat, sharp execution leaving nothing to stand between the viewer and image. This often entails time-consuming detail work such as painting the chain worn by a character in one of his pieces.

Most of his paintings begin either on the computer in Illustrator which is then output to paper which he cuts out.  Alternatively, he sketches on a paper outline.  This intermediate step helps in visualization and the initial layout of the painting on board.  Shots of these paper outlines, a look at the initial stage of applying a background texture, and a new painting reveal can be found after the jump.

In addition to the paintings, the  show will also a feature an installation currently shrouded in mystery.  To bring you greater insight into his latest solo we’ll be presenting a live video interview with Buff Monster prior to the opening. More details shortly.

Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310.287.2340