A Visit to Brian Kirchoff Studio

Kathy Corey

Here's Brian in his studio. The image behind him is titled "Mostly Black and Red".

​I recently had the pleasure to visit Brian in his studio to find out more about his amazing abstract paintings and his process of making art.  His bright colorful artworks fill his studio. It would be hard to not smile when you see his paintings that range in size from small intimate works to extra large.  His latest work, "Mostly Black and Red" (pictured on the left) when stretched, will be 72" x 42" x 1.5 gallery wrapped. Currently, this painting is heading to a photo shoot to be used as a backdrop on a film set. Then it's off to Yudian Gallery in Hangzhou, China.

Abstract art is often about the process the artist may be using. In many of his paintings, you can easily see how he has reduced something tangible to its abstract essence.  In other pieces, his paintings are more nebulous and when you take time to look closely, you realize there are more than patterns, colors, and contrasts to what you see on the surface of the canvas. His artmaking is a reflection of how he sees the world. 

I was curious about his process for working on his large canvas pieces. He describes his process as,  "Due to my somewhat aggressive paint application techniques, I prefer to work either on unstretched canvas on a large table or on wood panels, as stretcher cross bars tend to show through when painting on a stretched canvas.  My acrylics are applied with rags, rollers, spatulas, palette knives, fingers, and whatever I can get my hands on.  I will on occasion use a brush, but it's  rare."

Visiting Brian's art studio was a wonderful chance to see first-hand his works in progress and where the magic happens.

Brian Kirchoff has plenty of good news to share.  He recently completed and delivered a large commission of five works ranging from 7' x 4' to 22" x 22", for an absolutely amazing 5000 square foot penthouse suite in the Central West End.

Brian is one of 150 artists from around the world chosen to participate in the Saatchi Art "Other Art Fair" - Virtual Edition, May 23 through June 5, 2022.  

​He's signed with Yudian Gallery to be represented in Mainland China.  They'll be displaying as many as 10 pieces at their primary gallery in Hangzhou, China's fourth largest city (approx 13 million).

He was also accepted and signed with Plogix Gallery last week. 

In June and July, he will have some of his art on display at the Missouri Athletic Club. Be sure to stop by and see his work in person. 
​​