Hello, I'm Gus Romano, a Portugal-based artist specializing in painting fine art portraits. From an early age, I was immersed in the world of art, growing up surrounded by the fashion industry and the relentless pursuit of beauty through my parents' model agency. However, my artistic journey took an unexpected turn, leading me to discover the true essence of portraiture.

After studying "Art and Multimedia" at the fine art university in Lisbon, I found myself grappling with the question of what it truly means to be an artist. Searching for inspiration and purpose, I embarked on a transformative adventure to London. Days spent wandering through major art museums and working out at the gym allowed me to contemplate the meaning of art and explore various mediums.

It was during this time of introspection that I stumbled upon my first artistic breakthrough. Armed with just a pen and paper, I found solace in the simplicity of random strokes and spontaneous expressions. I began scribbling portraits with a black pen, completing each one in under 30 minutes. This cathartic process yielded more than 300 portraits and ignited a growing audience on Instagram.

This transformative experience taught me a valuable lesson: perfection is not solely about control but also about embracing imperfections. It was this philosophy that shaped my artistic style and set me on a path of self-discovery and creative exploration.

During the following years, I delved into the world of watercolors, further refining my approach. With every brushstroke, I sought to capture the ephemeral nature of emotions, letting the colors blend and merge in unexpected ways. For over six years, I dedicated myself to the art of watercolor portraiture, honing my skills and mastering the balance between control and spontaneity.

However, my artistic evolution didn't stop there. In a continuous quest for growth and self-expression, I ultimately found myself falling in love with the vividness and luminosity of oil paints. Transitioning to oils allowed me to explore new dimensions of texture, depth, and vibrant colors. Painting with an alla prima technique, I strive to capture the energy and immediacy of each moment, finishing my paintings within a two-hour timeframe.

As an artist with over 9 years of experience in painting and drawing portraits, I am driven by an unwavering commitment to capturing the essence and individuality of each subject. With each stroke, I aim to create unique artworks that resonate with the viewer on a profound level.