After a trip to Costa Rica, Gabriel Romo quit his job as a real estate agent and decided to try painting.

Along with his younger brother, Romo began to paint about a year and half ago.

“We grew exponentially,” Romo said.

While learning to paint together the two created not only a bond, but also the name Romo went by early in his career, Hermano.

“I’ve never painted before and I didn’t want to put my name on it,” said Romo.

Now, only a little more than a year later, his paintings have gained national success. Some of his paintings have been shown in galleries nationwide, including one in New York starting next week.

His exhibit at the art gallery in the Cesar Chavez Student Center opened Thursday. The curators for Romo’s exhibit, Jaime Schwartz and Sophie Johnson, wanted to get art that would attract more patrons.

“I really wanted to do a show every single student would enjoy,” said Schwartz.

Romo’s paintings are largely inspired by music, especially “old funk.” Most of his paintings include musicians. Legends such as Bob Marley, Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson are just some of the musicians featured in his work on display in the art gallery.

“Romo seems to capture the urban essence,” said Sun Yom, the former director of the Cesar Chavez Student Center Art Gallery. “It seems accessible to everyone, from all demographics.”

Although Romo is greatly influenced by music, not all the pieces include this theme. One of the paintings, the largest one on display, has a political message about immigration.

“It’s representing not only his people but people who are afraid to stand up for themselves,” said Kevin Robinson, 29, a biotechnology major who attended the event.

Some observers at the opening were attracted to Romo’s art for different reasons. Many liked the celebrities portrayed in most of the pieces.

“The person who’s in it brings a lot to it,” said Ray Ortiz, a senior studying psychology.

Hermano will be on display in the Art Gallery in the Cesar Chavez Center until Oct. 7.