WHO AM I

I love painting nature—landscapes, flowers, and the quiet beauty they hold. I'm a self-taught artist, drawn to capturing the psychological essence of things, whether living or inanimate. Through pigments of color, I transform emotion into imagery, creating paintings that speak beyond the surface.

The Guardian

Acrylic on Canvas

33x24 inch

2025

email: santos09ulap@gmail.com

MY CREATIVE JOURNEY

I’m Teddy “Ulap” Santos, a full-time painter with a deep love for watercolor. I graduated with a BFA in Industrial Design from the University of Santo Tomas and started my career as an Art Director in advertising. Eventually, I followed my passion and shifted fully into painting.

Watercolor became my main medium, and I’ve been blessed to learn from masters like Sir Ernie Patricio and Domeng Labordo. I’m an adviser to the International Watercolor Society (IWS) Philippines and have represented the group in events like the Tam-Awan International Arts Festival, where I led workshops and demos for students and young artists.

I also paint in oil and acrylic, mentored by the late Sir Nick Aranda and Sir Leo Menesis. Over the years, I’ve joined several art groups and participated in many exhibits since I began in 2002. My work often reflects nature—landscapes, flowers, and the emotional depth of everyday life. I’m self-taught and aim to express the soul of both living and non-living things through color.

Some of my recognitions include the 2013 Ace Artist of the Year Award, a Special Award from the 2019 Lion International Art Contest, and the Grand Prize in the IWS-PGW On-the-Spot Painting Competition.