PORTRAIT ARTIST PROFILE

"Portrait painting isn't just a hobby for me - it is a passion! Capturing both the likeness and spirit of the subject - in the mischievous sparkle of a child’s eye or the expression of an adult who has weathered the highs and lows of life - is the greatest challenge and the most fulfilling aspect of painting a portrait."

R.J. Romero is a versatile visual artist who has been painting professionally for over 20 years. With the ability to capture a likeness and unique personality of her subjects, the artist's focus has been portraits and figures, which hang in private collections across the United States.

Mostly self-taught, R.J. began drawing and painting since she was a child growing up in Tucson, AZ. From the start she was influenced by the great master works of renowned portrait artist such as Rembrandt and Sargent. While she attended college in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Rita had the rare opportunity to study painting with prominent artists Clark Hulings and Roy Grinnell. Soon her landscapes and figurative paintings were accepted into two Santa Fe galleries and exhibited in various art shows across the United States.

With an eye for detail and mastery of anatomy, R.J. Romero uses traditional ‘old master’ techniques to produce vibrant images in oil paints or pastel. Icon Art Studio portraits are true original works of art, hand rendered to clients' specifications. They are not digitally manipulated photos printed on canvas, like some websites who market cheap "portraits" from photos on the internet. Each R.J. Romero portrait is a unique creation by the artist, using the materials and techniques utilized by master portrait painters for centuries.

"Portraits are the most personal and emotional artwork that people will ever own. I take that responsibility very seriously. Nothing is more important or satisfying as bringing a portrait to life."