Louie Metz is an L.A.-based oil painter. In the early ’80s, as a young teen, he played bass in a punk band called Mad Society, which also featured his little brother Stevie, who painted his face with warpaint a la Adam Ant. The band released an EP and managed to play with Black Flag, Circle Jerks, and X before disbanding and making a minor mark on the L.A. punk scene. But that was then.

These days, Louie Metz is making his mark as a artist. After getting his MFA from Otis Parsons in 1990, he began showcasing his paintings which blend the masters of the old world with the lowbrow sensibilities of the new world. He has also painted a number of murals in and around Los Angeles. Here’s a closer look at some of his work:

The subjects of his portraits are frequently residents of the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles where he resides.

This one’s called “Probably an Art Director,” and we can’t help but think the male subject resembles photographer Terry Richardson, who’s photographs aren’t entirely unlike this one.

These are three sections from three of his water series:

And here a couple self-portraits:

For more on Louie’s work, check out his website. And to see some of new of his new PhotoShop collages, check out his collection on Flickr.

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