Matt Talbert Paintings

Time-lapse video of my painting process

2016-05-01T14:49:00.001-07:00

Originals for Sale

2015-06-16T14:07:00.004-07:00

shop.talbertart.com

I created a new online store where you can buy my original oil paintings. There are figure paintings, cocktail scenes, and cityscapes available. If you have any questions let me know.

Self Portrait Triptych

2014-07-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Self Portrait, 8" x 24" oil on canvas panels

This was an interesting self portrait because it started off as simply a study of my mustache. I did a small 8x8" study and was really pleased with the results. The next day I came up with the idea of turning it into a more unconventional self portrait. Each 8x8 panel was done from life looking in the mirror. Although things don't line up, I kept the lighting on my face the same in each piece to give it some continuity. By limited myself to one day per panel it gives the series a freshness that I really enjoy.

Experimentation

2014-07-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Untitled, 12" x 22" oil on linen panel

I did this painting a few months ago when I was experimenting with simplifying the form and using a limited palette. I used an old black and white photo as reference and it was surprising how much the lack of color freed me to use color more as a way to depict emotion rather than capture reality. I will be doing more like this and work on expanding on the concept.

My Son Luke

2013-10-18T15:29:00.002-07:00

Luke, 16"x20" oil on canvas

Well it's been a while since I've posted anything here. I guess Facebook and Instagram have become too convenient. I think it's time to revive this blog and share my recent paintings as well as use this as a place to work out ideas for new ones. If you'd like to join me in that process and leave feedback or opinions please feel free.

The painting above is of my son Luke who was born this March and was 4 months old when I painted him. While I have been trying to paint from life as much as possible, this was done from a photo reference. There is no keeping an infant still for any length of time. The untold hours I've spent staring at him has definitely added to my understanding of his face and therefore made this a more powerful piece than the usual portrait. When I began this painting I knew that his right eye was were I wanted all the focus and energy to be. I purposefully had things fade out and kept the edges unclear. I had to ride that fine line between making areas unfocused and mysterious without looking unfinished.

Here are some progress photos if you're interested in seeing a few different stages...

Locale Magazine Article

2011-07-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to be featured in the current issue of Locale Magazine. I have a double page spread in their article "The New List" of their favorite up and comers in the art world. If you're in Orange County keep an eye out for the beatiful 200+ page Summer Lovin' issue.

New Studio

2011-06-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

My new studio is all set up and I love it! I've got a lot of space, a new desk, my trusty easel and an old, beat up folding chair, what could be better. The extra space makes such a difference, I can finally step back and look at my paintings without tripping over supplies. I look forward to creating paintings here for many years to come.

Slide Rock Arizona

2011-04-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

11"x14" oil on linen panel

I just got back from a great trip to Sedona, Arizona. The weather was beautiful and the red rock landscape was extremely inspiring. I was lucky enough to go out and do some plein air painting at Slide Rock State Park. Everyone else at the park was busy splashing around in the river so I felt like I had the whole place to myself.

With a Twist

2011-02-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

16" x 16" oil on linen