Galerie Du Soleil, under the leadership of artist and proprietor Danny Rayos del Sol, hosted a four-day workshop in February, featuring Chicago-based Filipino portrait artist and art instructor Romel de la Torre.

Approximately 18 participants, including some who traveled from neighboring countries like Thailand, eagerly engaged in the workshop focusing on portrait and figure art.

Reflecting on the experience, de la Torre expressed to The Sunday Times Magazine, "I've conducted workshops across the Philippines, but this is my first time at this gallery."

He emphasized the workshop's level, stating, "Typically, my students are more advanced, with some at an intermediate level. I prefer not to teach beginners; a foundational painting background is necessary."

De la Torre further shared insights into his artistic journey, "I began drawing at a young age, and it became a constant passion. After graduating in college, I ventured into teaching while also pursuing commercial artwork for additional income. I started locally now I teach in Europe every year as well. One of the best things is I get to travel for free so I've seen a lot of places. It's fun."

Asked questioned about his preference for portrait art, de la Torre attributed it to his training at the American Academy of Art in Chicago.

"I studied portrait there, painting faces and I became good at it, so I'm like 'I'm just going to do this.' I just enjoyed painting faces. To me it was just fun, trying to capture someone's face, the emotions," he explained.

He also acknowledged the complexity of commissioned portraits as it is more than just replicating their appearance.

"It's much harder if you're doing a commission because you want to capture the character of the person than just painting somebody," de la Torre continued.

Regarding digital art, de la Torre acknowledged its use in commercial applications, citing its efficiency in distribution compared to traditional methods.

"It's good for commercial art. I have friends who does that, it's faster. Before, you have to present them with the original art. Now you can send them online, digital," he noted.

However, he expressed reservations about artificial intelligence (AI) in art as it lacks human creativity and emotional depth.

"It is not art for me. There's no person behind it, no thought, there's no emotion to it. They are just teaching AI to copy people's style. You can't replace original art. It's not really tangible. Arts like what I do is unique. In digital, you can distribute it with millions of copies.

"But as far as commercial arts, AI is going to replace it. AI is cheap and fast compared to paying an artist to design. It's going to replace some jobs – that includes in films, music, other industries," he ended.