The Heart of Good Painting

The playful and evocative imagery of painter Doug Gilbert represents the artist's search for "gnosis" or direct perception of reality. The artist cites psychedelic art and Surrealism as influences, and his work is characterized by an exuberant use of color and an exploration of human consciousness. Beyond his visual art practice, Gilbert's work as a professional drummer demonstrates the artist's love for rhythmic gesture, which is reflected in his fluid and spontaneous paintings that evoke an appreciation for movement and improvisation. Inspired by color, unpredictability and the universality of living, Gilbert's art is determined largely by content. Stylistically, each piece varies as the artist allows the story to guide his hand. Expressionistic brushstrokes and lines fill the canvases, describing a practical exploration of the human perception of reality. His visual objects are not meant to represent physical objects, but to have their own formal existence reflective of an understanding that human beings share something profound in their consciousness of a rich and compassionate reality.