Felix Betancourt graduated from the School of Audio Visual of Miramar in Havana.

His first career, however was in radio, whre he enjoyed being "the first to know" in breaking news stories.  Now, as a painter, he attempts to bring a similar sense of life's immediacy to his canvases.  We notice that all of them have an unusual slightly surrealistic quality.  They become clear and compelling by his delicate execution.

The first time we visited Felix' house, the experience was one that is not atypical of doing business in the art world of Cuba, that of gracious Old World hospitality.  His entire family is involved.  Felix's wife, brother, sister-in-law and nephew greet us at the door.

They usher us to the privacy of a lush tropical porch at the rear of the building, and invite us to have seats.  The brother and nephew sit down with us.  the arist carefully begins to place his paintings, one-by-one, on an easel for us to see, as his wife appears with tall glasses of lemonade.  Felix, a quiet thoughtful man, presents his work slowly, with pride, allowing us ample time to consider each piece.

Meanwhile, the women bring plates of 'tipico' fruit, and later, a tray of Cuban coffee served in demi cups.

We like what we see and purchase five of his paintings.  When leaving, our exit resembles a receiving line at a wedding reception...the entire family gathers at the front door to thank us and wish us well.  Felix, his brother and nephew accompany us out into the street to the taxi, even in the pouring rain.

 - Notes from Cuba! Gallery of Fine Art -

 - Bio is available -