A Bermudian artist, who attended the Essence Festival last year in New Orleans, has spoken about his growing success in business and what is to come.

Carlos Santana started perfecting his craft as an artist in 2013 after working for The Hamilton Princess & beach Club.

A year later he decided to launch his business, Carlos Santana Artistry.

He continued showcasing his artwork at Harbour Nights and other venues to gain exposure as a new entrepreneur.

During that time he began teaching children and adults the fundamentals of art and expressing themselves through drawing and painting.

“I teach adults in my sip-and-paint class, which is fun for people to have a glass of wine while I teach them how to paint,” Mr Santana said.

“I also have a similar class for children called the snack-and-paint, where they are sipping on juice boxes and snacks while I help them with their art work.”

Mr Santana also visits schools and hosts birthday parties for adults and children.

Although he enjoys teaching, his core business is selling his artwork.

“I have sold my pieces at City Hall, Hamilton Princess and other companies overseas have taking an interest in my paintings such as, New York and Philadelphia,” he said.

Being an entrepreneur has its challenges and Mr Santana keeps a positive attitude, aims to to remain humble and move forward.

“Being an artist locally can be difficult, although a lot of people appreciate art in Bermuda, it is more of an opportunity overseas,” he said. “Some individuals outsource artists from overseas instead of locally.”

Mr Santana wants to change this as he believes there are many artists in Bermuda who just need the platform to showcase their talent.

“Eventually I would love to put on an art festival locally which I would call Fully Culture for showcasing artists in Bermuda — not only painters and drawers, but writers, musicians, dance and theatre.”

Mr Santana works hard and passionately, which has allowed him to see much success so far.

Last year he was invited to attend the Essence Festival where he sold some paintings.

“The Essence Festival was my biggest success I think so far,” he said.

Since then, things have started picking up for Mr Santana as he has been building up his profile at home and abroad.

“I just finished doing a 5ft Bermuda map which is a customised piece,” he said. “I worked for three months on it, using Bermuda sand and making it personalised.”

He also designs logos, hats and tattoos for individuals.

Mr Santana is known for stippling dots art, a creation of sketching by using small dots to create patterns. He plans to eventually have a studio of his own but for now he is always continuing to learn and grow professionally.

Mr Santana is having an upcoming show in January, called back to the point, which describes his stippling dot art.

“I always have a beginning of year and end of year show, it is all white-themed, it’s free admission with the option to purchase any of my original works or prints of them.”

For more information about Carlos Santana Artistry, visit http://www.carlosantanartistry.com, Instagram:@liveloveart_7, Facebook: Carlos Santana Dill-Trott or call 707-1286