What is it that gives a masterful oil painting its jewel-like quality, mysterious luster, and lasting freshness? The extensive properties of oil paint have enabled the creation of iconic portraits that prove difficult to decipher.

In this workshop, Ramos will walk students through his portrait method from the ground up and demonstrate solutions to portraiture's most intricate challenges.

Working from the model, Ramos will demonstrate his unique way of dissecting visual information into a rich and dynamic likeness. Students will have hands-on experience with Ramos' sensitive color palette and particular brush-handling to lay thick impastos and translucent shadows. One-on-one instruction will be given to internalize the principles of light, structure, shape design, tonal abstraction, and broken color. Discussions and focused time on the easel will equip the student with an arsenal to create luminous professional portraits in a way that only oil painting at its highest level can achieve. 

Key learning outcomes:

- A way of "constructing" the portrait that best allows for oil paint to be used at its full potential.
- Interpreting the “broken color” of skin with a logical yet intuitive approach.
- A hierarchy of importance among visual elements to avoid mistakes.
- Dependable methods of mixing accurate skin tones.
- How to adjust and maximize the medium as the painting progresses.

Beginners welcome but experience with drawing accuracy is preferred.