MIKE

MIKE LAVALLEE OWNER & ARTIST OF KILLER PAINT

Renowned for his TRUE FIREtm airbrush technique which has revitalized the automotive art industry, the artist, Mike Lavallee, traces his roots to sign painting. Graduating with a degree in Sign Painting from Boston's Butera Art School in 1979, he would not work exclusively on bikes until after attending his first rally in Laconia, New Hampshire. It would become weekend event that would permanently change his life. It sparked what would eventually become a lifelong endeavor. Immersing himself in a decades long trek he would travel the motorcycle circuit as an artist until choosing to settle in the Pacific Northwest. In 1999 he opened his airbrush studio, Killer Paint, in Snohomish, Washington.

After several successful collaborations with Chip Foose of Foose Design, Mike was introduced to a unique market of enthusiasts with an unquenchable appetite for fast rides and custom paint jobs. Sunny California was set ablaze when Mike's signature flame jobs burst onto the scene, instantly branding his technique a hot commodity. A friendship with Jesse James of West Coast Choppers landed Mike his first spot on television. Appearing as a guest artist on The Discovery Channel's, "Monster Garage," was an exciting experience. Mike attributes a significant portion of his success to both Chip Foose and Jesse James. Chip, in particular, has been a major component in the exposure of Mike’s distinctive TRUE FIREtm technique.

Since his appearances on Monster Garage, Mike, has since been honored to participate in TLC's wildly popular "Overhaulin'" and "RIDES"; shows he credits for their publicity of his TRUE FIREtm technique. Mike has poured over 25 years of his life into his artwork, making it his primary focus, second to none. It's been a journey from one end of the country to another, some times being far easier than others. Along the way he's touched lives, inspired awe, spread smiles and lived to the fullest.

In Mike's words, “What more could you ask for?”