Matt Kaplinsky's work can be described in a variety of ways. He plays with impressionism and abstract techniques to achieve colorful, textured landscapes and still-lifes. He might be best described as ‘folksy impressionism.’ His beautiful paintings invite us to view spaces in different ways--whether seen close up as an intimately cropped view or experienced as a broader landscape.
Real Spaces, Reimagined
Throughout his life, Matt has been lucky enough to experience travel outside of his native North Texas. He draws upon these travels for the bulk of his inspiration, using a combination of photography and memory to work off of. He describes the process of turning experiences into inspired, beautiful paintings.
"Though many of my paintings are inspired by real locations, I use my imagination to add that extra special touch."
Matt works hard to constantly improve his skill set. The artist has surrounded himself with a team of trusted peers that help him to be his best self. Matt always remembers life before his success. Sometimes, poverty can lead an artist to diversify their skills--for example, to paint on cardboard or found objects. Nowadays, Matt's work may show more polish, but he still nods to his past, painting on a variety of materials including canvas, metal and wooden boards to provide different moods.
An Active Artist Since 1991
A self-taught painter, Kaplinsky has been honing his craft since 1991. Committing to the arts is in many ways committing to a life of challenges. It took Matt about 5 years before he began to sell his art regularly. He started selling paintings out of the back of his old pick up truck, then in small businesses such as coffee shops and consignment stores. Soon he was invited for a gallery show, and he's only grown more successful from there.
Matt works hard to constantly improve his skill set. The artist has surrounded himself with a team of trusted peers that help him to be his best self. Matt always remembers life before his success. Sometimes, poverty can lead an artist to diversify their skills--for example, to paint on cardboard or found objects. Nowadays, Matt's work may show more polish, but he still nods to his past, painting on a variety of materials including canvas, metal and wooden boards to provide different moods.
An Intimate Perspective
Matt's "cropped views" provide a uniquely intimate perspective that draws the viewer in. He finds inspiration in his travels, working both from memory and photographs. His experiences are as vast as the sea and sky of the coastal northeast...as varied as the mesas of New Mexico...and as soulful as the cloud forests of Costa Rica.
“A group of colors and textures turn on the lightbulb… I imagine a cropped view, and that starts a painting,” he says, describing the initial steps in his creative process. These cropped views provide the focus necessary to appreciate the beauty of natural surrounds or contemplate the cacophony of inner emotion.
Part-Time Naturalist, Full-Time Artist
Nature and environment are other defining characteristic of Matt's work. His original works often feature landscapes of the rural southwest as well as still-lifes. Browse his online portfolio or stop by NEST Modern Gallery in Austin, TX to see his work in person. Many of his works are in the impressionist style, but if you love abstract art you're sure to be moved as well. Matt's new work is very bold and contemporary.
Matt may be a successful artist who shows in galleries and high-end retail venues, but he came from humble beginnings. He's never forgotten the experiences that have shaped him, including a period of homelessness. But don't take our word for it. Listen to Matt describe his journey and his work in his own words through this mini-documentary video: "Matt Kaplinsky: Part-Time Naturalist, Full-Time Artist".
CTA: Don't Be Shy--Reach Out to Matt Kaplinsky!
Matt loves to work with clients, creating custom paintings for businesses and individuals alike. For commissioned works, he'll listen closely to your concept and then respond with a few different approaches. Get in touch and describe your vision, or simply say hi to Matt! Don't be shy--he's a very open and approachable guy!