Mel Ramos

Melvin John Ramos (July 24, 1935 – October 14, 2018) was an American figurative painter renowned for his depictions of female nudes, often blending elements of realism with abstract art. His work became widely recognized as part of the pop art movement of the 1960s. Ramos is particularly celebrated for his portrayals of superheroes and voluptuous female figures.

Ramos was born in Sacramento, California, to a first-generation Portuguese-Azorean immigrant family. He pursued his art education at Sacramento Junior College and San Jose State College, studying under Wayne Thiebaud, who became both his mentor and lifelong friend. Ramos completed his B.A. and M.A. at Sacramento State College, graduating in 1958.

Following his studies, Ramos taught art at Elk Grove High School and Mira Loma High School in Sacramento from 1958 to 1966. He subsequently held brief teaching positions at the college level before beginning a distinguished tenure (1966–1997) at California State University, East Bay, in Hayward, California, where he later served as professor emeritus. In addition, Ramos was invited to serve as Artist in Residence at Syracuse University and the University of Wisconsin.