Javier Ramos Salazar

Javier Ramos Salazar is an extremely talented painter from Ajijic, Mexico. He specializes in portraiture but can paint anything from landscapes to abstracts.

Javier first started with art thanks to the Neil James children’s art program at the Lake Chapala Society. In those days, the early 1970s, the program’s reach mostly extended to unlimited free art supplies and James’ encouragement. There was some formal instruction, but Javier remains self-taught, having mastered drawing, painting and other mediums. (Other graduates of the LCS children’s art program are Efrén González and Bruno Mariscal.)

Javier also taught himself the painting technique that he employs regularly in his work, which consists of fine crosshatching using grey paint and a brush. His work either stays monochromatic or he sometimes adds a color wash once he has the underlying grey work in place.

Javier makes frames and stretches canvases for himself and for other artists and art buyers. Contact him and he’ll frame your work or custom-make a canvas for you, from small sizes to several meters.

You’ll be able to find Javier’s work on permanent display at Casa Linda (Río Bravo #7, Ajijic) after mid-October 2019. He is the building’s owner and has a deal with Casa Linda’s owners to be the exclusive artist to hang work on the walls there.

Art classes

Javier is a sought-after teacher who has helped absolute newcomers get started and professional painters become masters. In Ajijic, he teaches every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Paseo del Tepalo #10, a private home. During the high season (December to April or so) he usually offers a Friday class to keep the class sizes small.

Contact him about signing up for instruction or you could drop the class one day. Classes are $100 pesos/hour and you can stay for as long or little as you like.