ABOUT

Gilbert is a Washington DC based painter

Gilbert was born in Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, with a degree in art education. He received a Master of Arts in Studio Art from the New York University/Venice graduate program. He studied in Venice, Italy for two consecutive summers and concluded the program in New York in 2003. Trent relocated to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in 1986 and recently completed his 37th Art Teacher career. He looks forward to focusing more on painting and exhibiting his work. He’s a former resident artist at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (Arlington Arts Center) in Arlington, Virginia. Trent has exhibited in several galleries in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and the Leslie Lohman and 80 WSE Gallery in New York.




My abstract paintings are driven by a deep fascination with color and its ability to evoke emotion beyond words. Working in acrylic allows me to build layers of vibrant hues, creating compositions that explore the principles of color theory while embracing spontaneity and intuition.

Rather than depicting recognizable subjects, I use color, movement, and texture as my visual language. I am interested in how contrasting and harmonious colors interact, influencing one another and shaping the viewer's emotional experience. Each painting becomes an exploration of balance, tension, rhythm, and light, inviting multiple interpretations rather than a single narrative.

My process is both deliberate and instinctive. While color theory provides a foundation, I allow each painting to evolve organically through experimentation, layering, and unexpected discoveries. The finished work reflects my ongoing curiosity about the expressive power of color and its unique ability to connect with people on a personal, emotional level.

Through my work, I hope to create immersive experiences where viewers can pause, reflect, and find their own meaning within the vibrant interplay of color, form, and gesture.