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The LAJOS MARKOS ART FOUNDATION was established in 1995 by family, friends, and students of the late Lajos Markos as a memorial to the internationally known portrait and western artist, who devoted his life to painting and teaching in the tradition of the Old Masters. With compassion and generosity, Maestro Markos gave aid in the form of free art classes and supplies to many students throughout his life.
The aim of the Foundation is to carry on his tradition by awarding one or more study/travel scholarships annually to deserving art students.
The foundation is chartered under the State of Texas Laws of Incorporation and is recognized as a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Lajos Markos was born in Transylvania in 1917. He received his formal art training at the National Royal Academy in Budapest where he graduated at the head of the class and went on to win the Zrinyi Prize, the highest Hungarian National honor for fine art. Later, he moved to Italy where he rapidly established himself as a renowned portrait artist.
In 1952, accompanied by his wife, Maria, Mr. Markos moved to New York where he began painting and teaching, often charging nothing to poor but talented students.
His fascination with the history of the settling of the western states and especially the history of Texas finally led him to Houston in 1971. He painted portraits of the 12 "Texas Immortals," which hang in the Texas Commerce Bank in Houston, the "Seige of the Alamo," which hangs in the Texas State Capital in Austin, and countless western paintings depicting the history of the cowboy era, which hang in private and corporate collections here and abroad. Paintings of Sam Houston, Robert E. Lee, and Generral George Patton are in private collections.
Included in over 2000 portraits by Lajos Markos are European and American historical figures, church officials, aristocracy, and well known personalities in theatre, music, politics, industry, and sports. His paintings can be found in the Vatican as well as churches worldwide, in museums, capitols, libraries, universities, corporations, and homes. He belonged to the Royal Society of Arts, the Hudson Valley Art Association, Allied Artists of America, Society of Illustrators, Salmagundi Club, Artistic Patriotic Club of Italy, and Kappa Pi Fraternity. He is listed in Who's Who in American Art and was certified by the University of the State of New York as a Teacher in the Field of Portrait. In 1972, the name Lajos Markos was added to the Italian Art Dictionary, Commanduci. His name is included in the 1988 Hungarian Art Encyclopedia and most recently has been added to the Art Lexicon in Paris.
For 18 years prior to his death in 1993, Mr. markos gave twice-weekly, free instructions to a number of fortunate student/artists in Houston and master classes and workshops in many areas of the United States. The LAJOS MARKOS ART FOUNDATION is a fitting tribute to the "Maestro," in memory of his unmatched talent and loving generosity.
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