
And the fear became a passion.

Born in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil, Fabiano Santos demonstrated an early interest in drawing, developing a strong observational practice through sketching people and landscapes from a young age. He earned a degree in Industrial Design from the State University of Bahia (UNEB), where his academic training emphasized form, composition, and visual structure.Following graduation, Fabiano pursued a professional career in graphic design and printing. In 2006, he relocated to the United States, living first in San Diego and later in Miami. During this period, professional responsibilities redirected his creative focus, though visual art remained a constant underlying influence in his work.Over time, Fabiano returned to painting with renewed intention, choosing watercolor as his primary medium. His work explores a balance between realism and expressionism, characterized by confident brushwork, controlled spontaneity, and a strong emphasis on color, light, and emotional presence. Rather than aiming for photographic imitation, his paintings seek to convey atmosphere, character, and narrative through the fluid nature of watercolor.Fabiano’s work has been exhibited widely and recognized with multiple awards in juried exhibitions. His paintings have also been published in international art magazines, reflecting growing recognition beyond the gallery space. He is an active member of the Miami Watercolor Society and the Florida Watercolor Society.Fabiano lives and works in Miami, Florida, where he continues to develop a body of work inspired by human connection, cultural identity, and the quiet narratives found in everyday life.