Manuel Teodoro was born in 1927 in Mealhas, São Brás de Alportel.
He began to draw before he started school. As was usual in those times, Manuel Teodoro attended primary school for 4 years then had to find work and learn a profession to assist his parents income. He was a shoemaker until 1959, when he and his family emigrated to Canada.
During his working life he attended different courses on art. On retirement in 1992 he had more time and attended Labatts Visual Arts School University of Western Ontario. He continues to draw and paint for pleasure and with much dedication.