César Winston Vera was born in the historic town of Ossining, New York.  His parents migrated from Ecuador, South America. 

His mother, who worked in a factory as a seamstress, taught him how to sew and encouraged him to develop his creative skills.  At the age of 16, he worked as a layout prep and textile separator for designer Vera Neuman, who also encouraged him to pursue a career in the fashion industry.

In 1987, César attended the Fashion Institute of Technology of New York City, shortly changing his field of interest to the visual arts. He lived in San Francisco for five years, where he attended workshops in watercolor and drawing. In 1996 he returned to New York and joined Pace University as a coordinator for the Graphics department.  In the evenings he continued his education and  acquired a Bachelors of Science in Art at Pace University, NY.  He graduated Magna Cum Laude and received the Margaret B. Woods award for making a significant contribution to the department of Fine Arts.  He continued his education at the College of New Rochelle,  acquiring a Masters of Science in Studio Art. 

César works vary in mediums, all in an painterly fashion. The large-scale mixed media paintings reveal the emotional and physical challenges that come along with the process of accepting mortality.  He references his culture, beliefs and his personal experiences to convey this message.