Aviator Skull – Tribute to Mike Lavallee | Original Airbrush Painting | 12" x 18"
Aviator Skull – Tribute to Mike Lavallee | Original Airbrush Painting | 12" x 18"
More than just a painting, Aviator Skull is a tribute to a friend, an incredible artist, and a true legend in the custom painting industry, Mike Lavallee, the creator of the iconic Tru Fire painting technique.
This one-of-a-kind original artwork was painted by professional airbrush artist Scott MacKay as the concept and test panel for a special Airbrush Rendezvous class at Coast Airbrush, co-taught by Scott MacKay and fellow artist Ryno.
Following Mike's passing, the project was developed as a way to honor his memory, his influence on the airbrush community, and the tremendous impact he had on generations of custom painters.
Mike was known worldwide for his revolutionary Tru Fire technique, along with his passion for aviation and skull artwork. This painting brings those elements together in a dramatic composition featuring an aviator skull surrounded by an aerial dogfight, all brought to life through the fiery colors, atmosphere, and techniques that Mike helped make famous.
A Tribute to a Legend
For years, Mike Lavallee was a familiar face at airbrush events and workshops, sharing his knowledge, passion, and signature Tru Fire techniques with artists from around the world.
His absence left a tremendous void in the industry, and this project was our way of paying tribute to the man, the artist, and the friend we had lost.
The painting combines several of Mike's favorite subjects—aviation, skulls, and realistic fire—into a single illustration designed to celebrate his creativity and legacy.
This particular painting is the original concept version painted entirely by Scott MacKay in preparation for the Airbrush Rendezvous class.
A second version was created during the actual workshop, painted collaboratively by Scott MacKay and Ryno. That painting is now in the hands of another private collector, making this original concept piece a unique part of the project's history.
Artwork Details
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Title: Aviator Skull – Tribute to Mike Lavallee
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Artist: Scott MacKay
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Size: 12" x 18"
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Surface: Aluminum composite (Poly Metal) panel
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Medium: House of Kolor automotive paints
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Technique: Airbrush illustration with Tru Fire-inspired effects
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Finish: Professional show-quality clearcoat, polished to a mirror-like finish
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Created For: Airbrush Rendezvous at Coast Airbrush
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Class Instructors: Scott MacKay and Ryno
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Tribute: In Memory of Mike Lavallee
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Original Artwork: One of a kind – Original concept painting
Finished the Way Mike Would Have Wanted It
Painted using House of Kolor automotive paints, this piece was finished with a professional show-quality clearcoat and meticulously polished to a deep, glossy finish.
Because if there was one thing Mike appreciated, it was a killer paint job with a flawless finish!
The combination of dramatic aviation imagery, fiery colors, and detailed airbrush work makes this painting a fitting tribute to an artist whose creativity and techniques helped shape the modern custom painting industry.
Own a Piece of Airbrush History
This is more than an original painting. It's a personal tribute to Mike Lavallee, created by Scott MacKay for a special workshop honoring his life and artistic legacy.
This is the actual original concept painting—not a print or reproduction. With the collaborative classroom version already residing in a private collection, this piece offers a rare opportunity to own an important part of the project's history.
Only one original concept painting exists, and once it's sold, it's gone!
Add this special tribute to your collection today. Click Add to Cart to make it yours!
In memory of Mike Lavallee — artist, innovator, friend, and a true legend of the airbrush industry.