"It was through my grandparents that I acquired the love of music and the arts. My mother noticed I was interested in drawing at a young age and encouraged me to pursue art. As an adult I did continue my education with the techniques based on the old masters of academic realism.  Since retiring I have been able to pursue my passion for art full time. Tradition oils are my preference for most of my work but also enjoy the challenges of pencil/charcoal for the portrait and figure. I am able to find time to participate in group and juried exhibitions. I am either painting in my studio, attending painting/sketch groups or enjoying the challenge of creating the many beautiful sights of Long Island."

Santiago is a realist oil painter with an Impressionistic flare.  His art education started in High School with strong academic training at the School of Industrial Arts. As an adult he studied drawing and painting in the 'old master' tradition under Cesare Borgia and Lou DeLuca at The Reilly League of Artists, Inc.His recognitions include: Artist of the Month, LI Museum in Stony Brook; Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree, Islip Town Hall; Landscape Painting in the Stony Brook University Medical Center’s Permanent Collection; Portrait sketch of Mr. Jesse Jackson in the collection of Rainbow Coalition, Washington, D.C. and numerous works in Private Collections throughout the United States.Oscar’s other art affiliations include the Long Island Art Museum, Suburban Art League and Setauket Artists. He is accredited with a long list of Group and Juried Exhibitions and awards.​