A native of Alabama, Ken Gentle draws inspiration from the people, places, and events that he witnessed growing up. He says, “The civil rights movement has played an important role in my life and my art. Also, growing up in a small town plays an important role in what I choose to paint. With each painting I want to tell a story and spark discussion. I want people to remember where we’ve been and where we need to go.”

His artistic inspiration came at an early age. At the age of ten, he picked up a paintbrush and began to imitate the techniques of his cousin who painted watercolors. He tagged along on outdoor field trips with his cousin and over time has taught himself how to draw and paint by observing other artists.

Because he uses tar in his paintings, Gentle goes by the name “Blacktop” for his art pseudonym. After laying down a thin layer of cold tar on plywood, he allows it to set before adding a few secret ingredients. He then creates a background and etches into the tar with picks, nails, or files to create black lines and texture. With a final layer of color and details added, he seals each piece.