Bill Joseph Markowski
San Antonio, TX - United States
Bill Joseph Markowski - Fine Artist
Member Since: 04/05/2012
Bill Markowski was born in Depew, New York, February 1, 1922 and was raised in Detroit, Michigan in a Polish Community. He was interested in art ever since his early childhood and while attending Ferry School he won a scholarship and at 15 years of age studied at the Detroit Museum of Fine Arts, 1937 to 1938.
He enlisted in the U.S.Navy at age 17, serving three of his three and a half years of duty overseas. He was discharged in 1944 and attended the Meinzinger Art School in Detroit, Michigan from 1944 to 1948. He then, on weekends, studied fine art from George Rich of academic background and Leon Makielski, portrait painter. His schooling was completed from 1948 to 1950.
He studied 2 years full-time at Universidad de Belles Art in San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico. He also studied 2 weeks under Dan Lutz, guest artist at the McNay Art Museum.
Bill has had numerous exhibits over the past years including One-Man Shows at the International Institute in Detroit, Michigan, St.Mary's University and Witty Museum, both in San Antonio, Texas; exhibits in Koscusko Gallery-New York, Palacio de Belles Artes-Mexico City, D.F.
He was a newspaper artist for 20 years and remained active in painting after 45 years. Bill Markowski raised and provided for his family with his art work alone. He passed away on November 12, 1998 from Parkinson's Desease leaving behind numerous originals which were found tucked away in a back room studio. His widow; Emma Markowski, now 88 years old would like to share his beautiful art with others through out the world. His last piece of art work was created from his mind, while staring at a blank wall from his death bed. When asked what he was staring at, he simply replied, 'I am painting a picture.' He was a fine artist, a legend.
