Matt Talbert, born in 1982 in the USA, is a distinguished contemporary figurative artist based in Tustin, California. Renowned for his bold and expressive oil paintings of the human figure, Talbert's work delves into the emotional states of his subjects, blurring the lines between physical reality and internal experience .
Artistic Journey and Influences
Talbert's artistic journey began at the Orange County School of the Arts, followed by summer classes at the Art Center in Pasadena. He further honed his skills, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Laguna College of Art and Design, where he developed a profound passion for figure painting. A pivotal period in his development was a stint in Manhattan's East Village after graduation, where he immersed himself in a vibrant arts community, expanding his artistic perspective beyond his academic training.
Initially, Talbert gained recognition for his vivid portrayals of craft cocktail culture, collaborating with prominent bars and bartenders across the United States. However, his focus eventually shifted to the powerful human figure, which now forms the core of his artistic output.
Artistic Philosophy and Style
Talbert's artist statement reveals his core philosophy: "I paint people, but I am more interested in conveying an emotional state rather than illustrating an outward appearance. I blur the line between our physical reality and the one that is going on in our heads." He achieves this by contrasting the subtlety of skin tones with bold colors and thick textures in the background, which serve to amplify the emotions conveyed. His work often seeks facial expressions that communicate universal truths about the human condition, guided by intuition, spontaneity, and confidence.
His style is characterized by a modern take on alla prima painting, where he builds form from restraint, allowing edges to soften before defining them, and using confident strokes to create compelling portraits.
Recognition and Exhibitions
Matt Talbert is internationally celebrated, having been named one of the "Top 100 Figurative Artists Working Now" by Poets/Artists Magazine . He was also a finalist in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and has competed in the Mod Portrait Competition in Barcelona.
His techniques and artistic insights have been featured in numerous publications, including a six-page spread in International Artist Magazine in 2023, American Artist Magazine, PoetsArtists, and Los Angeles Magazine.
Talbert's works are exhibited in prestigious galleries such as Abend Gallery and Arcadia Contemporary. He balances his gallery exhibitions with portrait commissions, with his large-scale pieces gracing collections worldwide. He also launched his first online painting course in 2025, sharing his expertise with a broader audience.
Selected Exhibitions
2025: “Painting Beyond the Portrait” Point of View Gallery, Santa Ana, CA, USA
2019: ”Debut Solo Exhibition” Abend Gallery, Denver, CO, USA
2026: “Palm Beach Art Show” 33 Contemporary, Palm Beach, FL, USA
2025: “Annual Miniatures Show” Abend Gallery, Denver, CO, USA
2022: “5x5 Project” Abend Gallery, Denver, CO, USA; “LA Art Show” Abend Gallery, Los Angeles, CA USA
2020: “Fine Art & Fashion” - Vanessa Rothe Fine Art, Laguna Beach, CA, USA; “Summer Exhibition” - Vanessa Rothe Fine Art, Laguna Beach, CA, USA; “Small Works” Abend Gallery, Denver, CO, USA; “LA Art Show” Abend Gallery, Los Angeles, CA USA
2019: “It Could Be You” - Equity Gallery, New York, NY, USA; “5x5 Project” Abend Gallery, Denver, CO, USA; ”LCAD Alumni Show” Laguna College of Art and Design, Laguna Beach, CA, USA; ”Biannual Portrait Competition” Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, Wausau, WI, USA; “Art of the Nude” 33 Contemporary, Chicago, IL, USA
2017: “Five and Under” Arcadia contemporary, Los Angeles, CA, USA; ”Art Palm Springs” Arcadia Contemporary, Palm Springs, CA, USA
2016: “Sight Unseen” Abend Gallery, Denver, CO, USA
Conclusion
Matt Talbert's dedication to capturing the nuanced emotional landscape of the human figure, combined with his bold technique and extensive exhibition history, solidifies his position as a significant voice in contemporary figurative art. His work invites viewers to look beyond the surface and connect with the deeper, universal experiences of humanity.
Matt Talbert | Eldorado, 2026 | Oil on linen | 30 × 20 in | 76.2 × 50.8 cm
Introduction and review by Lorena Kloosterboer. This is a PDF download. A link will be provided upon checkout.