Meet Xana Ramos | Artist & certified Assistant Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xana Ramos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xana, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Portugal, in a large family. My parents separated when I was just two years old, and both eventually remarried; especially on my mother’s side, the family became even more extended. I’m the second of my mother’s six children. Many of my family members have pursued artistic careers or creative passions, and their influence deeply inspired me. From illustrators and painters to authors, dancers, and performers, I was surrounded by creativity from a young age.

Growing up in Portugal—one of Europe’s oldest countries, rich with history—shaped me profoundly. From maritime discoveries and ancient traditions to castles, palaces, and magnificent monuments of Manueline architecture, I was immersed in beauty. The vibrant culture includes hand-painted decorative tiles, textiles, ceramics, filigree jewelry, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, with hundreds of beaches and people known for their warmth, joy, and a touch of soulful melancholy.

This cultural heritage is woven into part of who I am. It has nurtured my gentle personality, deepened my appreciation for beauty, and heightened my emotional sensitivity. As an artist, it shows in my vibrant color palette, organic and curvilinear lines, and the incorporation of traditional Portuguese elements, like using cork in jewelry design or reinterpreting azulejos (ceramic tiles) on canvas.

Above all, there is a certain romantic depth and melancholic feeling known as saudade that runs through my work—an emotional essence that is uniquely Portuguese and a part of me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Talking about my art is really talking about myself—because my art is me, expressed in both two and three dimensions. It’s rooted in my deep inspiration from nature and its everyday miracles: the moment a butterfly lands on a flower, or a hummingbird hovers to sip nectar. It’s the feeling of a sunset translated into golden brushstrokes. My creative process is about letting go of control, allowing the paint to flow in swirls, spirals, and circles—bringing depth and spiritual meaning through abstraction, representation, real and mythical creatures.

My work often reimagines traditional elements like ceramic tiles, stained glass, and even textured cement walls on canvas. I love to explore bold, complementary, and vibrant colors, to experiment joyfully with mixed media, and to play with interaction—hiding messages in the dark, projecting light, or creating pieces that spin and shift. My art is about connection, joy, magic, and awakening consciousness. It’s an offering of gratitude and service—an expression of unity and oneness.

I’m deeply humbled and grateful for where I am today, both as a person and as an artist. It hasn’t always been easy. Prioritizing the authenticity of my soul has been a guiding principle, even through the rollercoaster of challenges, rejections, and moments of doubt. But I’ve come to see that even those difficult times were necessary for my growth and evolution.

In Portugal, I once founded a small dream business called Casinha Xanartes, which combined my love for teaching and the arts—a creative space where children, families, and groups could learn through play in artistic workshops. But it was only after closing that chapter, returning to school at 40, and studying Art at El Camino College in the LA South Bay, that I was able to begin anew—not just as an assistant art teacher, but finally as an artist. That shift felt like something out of a fairy tale—one of my most personal and cherished dreams coming true.

I’ve learned that everything unfolds in divine timing. I am never late or behind—things align when they’re meant to. Since launching Xana Ramos Art in 2021, I’ve been creating, exploring, and discovering the styles and mediums that resonate most deeply with me. My work now lives online, in my collectors’ homes, in galleries, at art fairs, and even on public streets. Alongside creating, I continue to teach classes and workshops for beginners of all ages, which brings me so much joy.

Looking ahead, I want to keep expanding, to reach more people, to share joy, wonder, and creative awakening through my art and my teaching. I’m excited for this path I’m walking—excited for me, and excited for you—because I truly believe that the more we create, the more we grow, together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d take her on a fun, inspiring, and flavorful tour of some of my favorite South Bay spots! We’d start with a perfect day in Hermosa Beach: a morning walk along The Strand, a refreshing swim in the ocean, and lunch at Bonaparte Bistro on Pier Plaza. I love their homemade pita with curry hummus and the truffle fries — absolutely delicious.

Just next door, we’d stop by the iconic Lighthouse Café for a live music show. I’m a big fan of 80s and 90s rock and pop, and they always have great bands that bring such fun energy. After that, we’d grab dessert at The Baked Bear — their ice cream sandwiches with vegan chocolate chip or fudgy brownie cookies are incredible!

We’d make sure to stay for one of California’s magical sunsets — the sky here often turns into a breathtaking color palette that I never get tired of.

In Redondo Beach, near my home, I’d take her to Mychal’s Café for a coffee or raspberry lemonade on a warm afternoon. The place has such a bright, welcoming vibe, and I love supporting their mission of employing and empowering individuals with disabilities.

For a casual and flavor-packed dinner, I’d take her to Pita Café — their falafel plate with hummus and pickled beets is one of my go-to meals. Yum!

Of course, we’d spend time in Manhattan Beach too, strolling through downtown to explore the shops and restaurants, visiting the Roundhouse at the end of the pier, and catching a summer concert at Polliwog Park or a Shakespeare by the Sea play.

As a nature lover, I’d definitely bring her to the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes. It’s such a peaceful and inspiring space, filled with themed gardens, creative installations, and year-round events. One of my favorite exhibits is SOAR, where you can walk among tropical butterflies — it feels like stepping into a fairytale.

The entire Palos Verdes Peninsula is stunning. Some must-see spots include Abalone Cove, the Point Vicente Lighthouse, Terranea Resort, and the glassy, ethereal Wayfarers Chapel.

And since I spend 90% of my time in the South Bay (haha), I’d proudly show her my favorite art spaces. In Hermosa Beach, there’s Resin Gallery, home of Indivisible Arts — a nonprofit that offers art and mental wellness programs for youth and the community. They host incredible exhibitions, live music, summer art camps, and more. It’s also the base for the South Bay Artist Collective, which I’m proud to be part of.

Nearby, the Gallery of Hermosa is another must-visit. It’s warm, inviting, and regularly features dynamic group shows. The Manhattan Beach Art Center is also an amazing spot to experience powerful local art, and the Palos Verdes Art Center has both great exhibitions and an active artist community. I recently became a member of their Artists Open Group, which will deepened my connection with other creatives in the area.

And of course, no trip would be complete without a day in Downtown LA to check out iconic spots like Universal Studios, the Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica.

There’s truly so much to experience, but at the heart of it all is good company, great conversations, and celebrating life through nature, art, and community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people to thank for being part of my journey.

First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to my daughter Mariana and my son Rodrigo. They are my greatest strength—my supporters, my critics, my confidants, and the purest sources of love and joy in my life. This shoutout is especially for them.

To my family, thank you for accepting me as I am, even when my sensitivity, quiet resilience, independence, or peaceful nature may not always be fully understood. I treasure both the lessons and the blessings. A special thank you to my sister Raquel for embracing my soul with such grace.

To my dear friends, thank you for walking beside me with love and unwavering support, both personally and artistically. To my teachers and mentors who encouraged creative thinking and believed in me and my work, I am forever grateful. And to all the children I have cared for and taught—you’ve gifted me with so much joy, curiosity, and wonder.

To my beautiful community of artists and creatives, thank you for the inspiration and collective growth. I’m truly blessed to be part of a space where we uplift one another.

To my kitties, Riscas (now in spirit) and Joy, thank you for your protection, presence, and unconditional love.

And finally, to the Universe—thank you for the divine and sacred orchestration of it all. I trust you, always.

Website: https://www.xanaramosart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xanaramosart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xanaramosart

Image Credits
First Personal photo against blackwall and photo by my mirror art piece credits to Danny By The Sea – Photography & Art
https://www.dannybythesea.com/

The photo with the green dress and peacock feathers, credits to Annika Alexandra Photography
https://www.annikaalexandraphotography.com/