I paint people, and what they feel.

Expressive oil paintings of the human figure, made in Southern California.

Galleries: Abend Gallery · 33 Contemporary · James Baird Gallery
Finalist, Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize · Featured in International Artist Magazine

Chasing the Sun by Matt Talbert, a woman in white sunglasses resting her face in her hands

Chasing the Sun — available at 33 Contemporary

The shop

Bring a painting home

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Prints · Coming soon

Giclée prints of selected paintings

A first release of open-edition giclée prints is in preparation, drawn from some of my favorite paintings. It’s an easier way to begin living with my work.

Archival giclée prints of selected paintings
A range of sizes, priced well below the originals
Subscribers receive first access to the release

Join the prints list

First access to new work and print releases. Occasional emails, never shared.

Small originals

A rotating selection of small paintings sold only here in my shop, not through galleries. Each one ships straight from my studio.

Shop all available →

L.A. Afternoon

Oil on panel, 12 × 16 in

$1,600View

Lost in the Music

Oil on linen panel, 8 × 10 in

$850View

Vasquez Rocks

Oil on panel, 12 × 16 in

$1,600View

Seeing What’s to Come

Oil on panel, 8 × 10 in, framed

$950View

Matt Talbert in his painting studio, beside an easel with a portrait in progress — In the studio, Southern California

About

Meet the artist

“I look for facial expressions that tell a universal truth about what it is to be human.”

Using oil paint I contrast the subtlety of skin tones with bold colors and thick textures in the background that enhance the emotions at play. Trusting my intuition, embracing spontaneity and doing so with confidence are the keys to my work.

Matt fell in love with figure painting while earning his BFA from Laguna College of Art and Design. A pivotal stint in Manhattan’s East Village after graduation pushed him beyond his academic roots. Today he balances gallery exhibitions with portrait commissions, his large-scale works gracing collectors’ homes and offices worldwide.

Biography & exhibitions →

Portrait commissions

A portrait that feels like someone, not just looks like them

Amelia, a commissioned portrait in oil by Matt Talbert — A commissioned portrait

Alongside my gallery work, I paint portrait commissions for collectors around the world. Each one begins with a conversation about the person, the mood you’d like to hold on to, and where the painting will live.

01
Inquiry. Share who you’d like painted and what you have in mind.
02
Planning. Size, composition and reference, decided together.
03
Painting. An original oil, made in the studio.

Request a commission See past commissions

From the studio

Statement pieces, available from the studio

Alongside my gallery work, I keep a select collection of large original paintings here in my studio, available directly from me. Wherever you are, I can send detailed photos and video, talk through pricing, and arrange insured shipping or a private studio visit.

Inquire about statement pieces