Congratulations to Gustavo Ramos who earned his place as a Finalist in the 4th Edition!

WHO ARE YOU?

I am a 27-year-old Brazilian-born artist who paints portraits that tell psychological narratives unique to our time. My paintings are influenced by my non-verbal struggles as an immigrant, which pushed me to make careful observations of people’s bodily expressions while trying to understand them. Those formative years now aid me in my practice as a way to represent experiences in oil paint and depict individuals as agents in their own stories. I currently reside in Phoenix with my wife and son.

"...who paints portraits that tell psychological narratives unique to our time" Can you explain in more detail what you mean by this?

I am interested in creating paintings that go beyond the visual experience. Each of my works uses certain storytelling devices that invite the viewer to look a little closer and connect with the subject not only visually, but psychologically. My themes tend to be more akin to the unique human experience of the 21st Century, but the trick is to do this with subtlety so that the paintings don't begin to feel dated. I want them to have a timeless quality.

Why do you believe this matters to you and inspires your work?

I have been inspired, elevated, and changed by meaningful works of art. If I can create paintings that people can connect with on a deeper level, that to me would be worth more than any accolade.

What inspired you to begin working in oil paint?

When I was in college on the east coast, I was able to visit the MET and the National Gallery several times. I was exposed to the oil paintings of Vermeer, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Rubens, among others. What surprised me most is that although I knew these paintings had been created centuries ago, they had a luminous, jewel-like fresh quality that made it seem like they had just been painted yesterday. I want my artwork to have that same quality, centuries from now, so that's why I chose oil paint.

Can you explain why you choose painting as a medium for your work and voice as opposed to others?

Most of my favorite artists were oil painters, so I wanted to try it for myself. Once I picked up the medium, I avoided venturing into other disciplines, so as to have the "laser-focus" training that is required to master the craft.

Given your want to master your craft by focusing completely on oil, do you believe that you deal with the need for perfection incessantly?

No, it's not that. Someone who wants to be a world-class concert pianist doesn't spend their practice time learning the trombone. You wouldn't ask them why they aren't as good at other instruments. It's that same idea. Most visual art schools today prioritize breadth over depth, but in the real world, I found that depth is what makes you stand out. It's not about being obsessed with perfection, it's about pushing your craft to the highest level.

Can you discuss the inspiration behind “Woman in Red”?

The concept behind "Woman in Red" took inspiration from “The Scarlet Letter”, a 19th-century novel that deals with themes of identity, independence, and the human condition.

Can you tell us about the person in Woman in Red?

The person in the painting is my wife, who is also depicted in many of my other paintings. I like having her as a model because it adds a sense of authenticity and intimacy to the painting.

Your oil paintings seem to reflect quite a forlorn mood, what inspired this portrayal?

To some viewers, my paintings might come off as sad or forlorn. To me, there is a unique beauty to solitude that has become increasingly rare in our busy lives. I don't associate solitude with sadness. That is often where I go to find myself and grow as an artist, and I can't help but reflect that in my paintings.

What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?

I am currently working on several new paintings for upcoming shows in New York City, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

Lastly, I would like to ask what advice you would give to your fellow artists/photographers?

Be true to yourself and put in the hours to truly master your craft, but do so efficiently. Don't settle for mediocrity. No excuses allowed in the studio.

To view more of Gustavo Ramos’ work

Website