CONGOLERO (2010) Painting by Carlos Granela

Born in Havana, Cuba, Carlos arrived in the United States in 1970 one month before his 3rd birthday. After a 1 day stop in Miami, Fl Carlos and his mother went to New York City then the Bronx where they lived until 1979, then moved to Union City, NJ until 1990.

In Miami, Carlos went to the International Fine Arts College and attained an Associate of Arts in Commercial Art. He perfected his color mastery and learned how to use the airbrush to compliment many of his pieces. Having lived most of his life without knowing that he is partially color-blind, he decided to focus on bright colors that stand out and easily distinguished in his paintings.

After exhibiting in Union City NJ, Coconut Grove, Miami Beach and Boyton Beach, Fl, Carlos decided to not produce work for exhibitions but for private collectors. He now focuses strictly on private collectors where he can directly work with the buyers and eliminate all the political red tape and price increases associated with galleries and commercial establishments.

"I love to work with people directly and not through institutions, my paintings invoke happiness, bright colors, and cheerful energies related to the Caribbean and my home land". "I've created many commissioned pieces specifically with buyers directly than through galleries". "I no longer seek gallery representation and choose to work with buyers directly as it was done centuries ago". "I've declined several exhibitions in order to focus on working with my collectors one on one, the way it should be".

• Nationality: CUBA
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Cuban Artists