Studio post · March 26, 2026
Last weekend, we had the privilege of hosting Phoenix-based artist Gustavo Ramos for a three-day portrait painting workshop. Gustavo is not only a generous and thoughtful instructor, but one of the strongest portrait painters working today, so it was a rare opportunity to observe both his process and his perspective up close. Beyond the formal instruction, one of the real advantages of the fellowship is the time spent outside the classroom. On Thursday evening, we shared pizza and drinks together, which led to some of the most valuable conversations of the weekend. Having Gustavo walk through our studio, engage with our work, and offer direct critiques was equally impactful. A key aspect of his approach is his use of transparent pigments, which helps preserve luminosity throughout the painting. Seeing that principle applied in real time was especially instructive and has already begun to influence how I’m thinking about my own work. The timing of this workshop couldn’t have been better. In just a few weeks, I’ll be in Atlanta for the Portrait Society of America conference, where I’ll be giving a live portrait demonstration. I’m also planning to use the opportunity to promote and potentially recruit for the next cohort of the Seattle Prize, so it feels important to show up prepared and confident. This weekend served as a kind of rehearsal for that experience, allowing me to practice exactly what I’ll be doing in front of an audience. With that in mind, I’m heading into Atlanta feeling more ready than I otherwise would have. I continue to be grateful for the opportunities this program provides and for the caliber of artists it brings into our orbit.
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