Spring 2012
Prints of Markus' become available at FineArtAmerica.com
March 2012
Markus is one of the winners of the 2012 Inaugural Windsor Whitney Biennial - a Survey of American and International Art.
Winter 2012
Bertonni's, designer furniture, purchases over-sized prints of Markus' art for displays at their stores in Punta del Este and Montevideo, Uruguay.
Fall 2011
TriBeca ,residence tower, [Montevideo, Uruguay] installs a permanent exhibit of Markus' artwork in the building's lobby.
June 2011
La Republica, daily newspaper in Montevideo, Uruguay, publishes a review of Markus' art exhibit describing it as [translated]: "A meeting between craftsmanship and technology, between the expressive and textural geometric impersonal, in a strange symbiosis, distanced from the commonly seen works by these and other regions, indicative of multiple and contradictory present reality, always shifting, glassy and ungraspable." It is estimated the review prompted over 100 more visitors to the exhibit.
June 2011
Casa Bertolt Brecht, performing arts college, [Montevideo, Uruguay] showcases Markus' artwork. Crowds of visitors view Markus' art on opening night and "Realidades Mixtas", the Spanish translation of Markus' art book is sold at record amounts.
Spring 2011
"Mixed Realities", Markus' first book of artwork is published with sales above expectations.
Winter 2010
The Markus Blaus Studio Gallery opens at the Sacramento Art Complex, however Markus closes the gallery after only three months to concentrate on creating art.
Summer 2009
MarkusBlaus.com goes online.
Winter 2008
Markus continues to explore different media when he creates "Waterfall" [digital] manipulating repeated samplings from the image of "Shape Layering Landscape."
Fall 2008
Markus begins to apply shape layering concepts to photography as seen in "Culture Center".
Summer 2008
Markus creates "Aquametro" [acrylic on canvas 18" x 24"] This is his first painting to use shape layering concepts.
Spring 2008
Markus develops the concept of shape layering with a sketchbook entitled "Transitions".
Fall 2007
Markus creates "Shape Layering Landscape" [ink on paper 16" x 20"] This is the first example of Shape Layering. The GREGORY KONDOS GALLERY at Sacramento City College exhibits this work in their gallery for the student art competition.
September 2007
Markus begins taking art and photography (as well as Spanish) classes at Sacramento City College. Professors include Chris Daubert, Paul Estabrook, Michele LeCosta and Fred Daultry.
Summer 2007
Markus illegally marries his husband in a large ceremony for family and friends. [The marriage becomes legal just days before the Prop. 8 election.] His husband's support allows Markus to focus on his art career.
Spring 2006
Having earned a California teaching credential, Markus has a full year teaching assignment at Franklin Elementary School, Elk Grove, CA. As part of the grade-level standards, Markus provides a seminar on Pablo Picasso to the entire third grade and invited parents.
Winter 2005
The Watts Winery commissions Markus to do a painting for the tasting room. The painting sells within months.
Summer 2005
Capitol City Massage Therapy begins a permanent exhibit of Markus' paintings in their offices. The exhibit is updated in 2011.
Fall 2003
Markus starts developing an art series based on "floating trees".
Summer 2002
Watts Winery, Lodi, CA exhibits Markus' art work in their tastings room for the first time. Markus has had several openings and showings at the award-winning winery throughout the years.
Summer 2001
Capitol Garage Cafe premiers an exhibit of Markus' photography. At the opening of the exhibit Markus performs a reading from his newly produced anthology of photography and creative writing entitled "Realities Collective".
1999 to Present
In addition to the exhibits listed here, Markus occasionally exhibits at various small businesses to celebrate the local tradition of Sacramento Second Saturday Art Walk. Some businesses include: Weatherstone Coffee, Urban Fitness, and ActiveLife Chiropractic Center. Markus also participates in a similar program in Davis, CA.
Fall 1999
The Open Book, bookstore and gallery cafe, showcases an exhibit of Markus' work and begins selling a series of greeting cards created by Markus.
Summer 1999
Markus returns to Northern California and exhibits a series of figure drawings at the Sacramento Pride Festival.
1996-1999
Returning to New England, Markus creates a short lived open mic poetry series in South Norwalk, CT. As a Project Manager for a medical marketing and education firm, Markus was occasionally able to utilize his graphic design skills for national clients.
Spring 1996
Markus is awarded the "Toastmaster of the Year" award by the Golden State Capitol chapter of Toastmaster International. This award was partly in recognition for designing and editing the chapter newsletter.
Fall 1993
Markus paints, "Face in the Fall" [acrylic on canvas 18" x24"] This is Markus' mother's favorite painting.
1991 to 1996
Relocating to Sacramento California, Markus publishes a series of creative writing newsletter entitled, "Realities". He is also a regular at open mic poetry reading in the area. During this time, his positions at various marketing and advertising firms help him develop his graphic design skills.
Spring 1990
Markus graduates from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor's of Arts degree. His major was advertising with a minor in creative writing.
June 1986
After taking an Advanced Placement art class, Markus receives college credit for his artwork while still a high school student at Masconomet Regional High School. He graduates in June of this year.
Spring 1986
Markus paints "Visual Interpretation of Frank Kafka's The Metamorphosis" [oil on canvas 18" x 24"] A symbolic somewhat graphical piece, it is considered his first serious painting.
August 1968
Markus is born in Salem, Massachusetts, USA. He is the seventh child of parents who immigrated from Latvia. His family is always supportive of his creative interests.
