About the Artist Endre Szabo
Endre Szabo from Brochure
Endre and Marjorie Szabo
Endre with Artwork on Easel
Endre at Rembrandt's Home in Amsterdam
Endre and Marjorie Szabo
Endre with Mozart in Vienna
Credentials
Endre Szabo (1922 - 1991) is an internationally known artist. His fame and reputation are documented in the biographical reference publication, the "International Who's Who in Art," published in London, England in 1972. A special photographic section of the book features a reproduction of one of his works as an outstanding example of contemporary painting.
Origins, Upbringing
Born in Hungary, Endre Szabo was the son of a prize winning artist who was awarded medals and honors from various countries throughout Europe. His education in art was quite extensive. He was taught to hold a brush by his father at the tender age of four, and completed his first portrait at the age of 13.
Formal Education
Endre's formal education in art began at the Academy of Art in Budapest. His studies were interrupted by the war although, and he was forced give up his country. He subsequently continued his education in Italy for 2 more years. From that point on, Mr. Sabo traveled widely, studying in particular the paintings of Rembrandt and Rubens in numerous museums throughout Europe. He lived briefly in Austria and also in Germany.
1950s South American Travels - Presidents, Diplomats and Religious Leader Portraits
Mr. Szabo then moved on to South America. He traveled widely and resided in numerous countries over the course of 11 years. During these years Endre was quite prolific, painting several hundred portraits.
While in South America, Mr. Szabo painted the portraits of the President of Peru and the President of Venezuela. In his travels throughout the continent he painted portraits of high-level government officials, religious leaders, diplomats and many other prominent personalities.
Endre Szabo Becomes American Artist - New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles
In 1960, Mr. Szabo emigrated to the United States, where he settled in the Philadelphia area. During the next 4 years he worked in New York, Pittsburgh and Fort Lauderdale, after which Mr. Szabo moved west to Los Angeles, CA. About that time he took a great liking to Western Themed Character Compositions.
In 1961 he was awarded 1st Prize for an oil and a pastel while in Philadelphia. In 1966 at a group show in Los Angeles he won first prize for oil. Then in 1969 he moved to San Antonio, TX.
The Texas and New Mexico Years
From 1969 on, Mr. Szabo's worked a great deal in Texas and New Mexico. His character studies became focused on the American Old West. He painted Cowboys, Trappers, Pioneers, Poker Players, Native Americans and every type of Old West character imaginable. Each character he created was unique. Many of our prints are from his Texas and New Mexico years.
His usual genres are portraits and character compositions. His paintings are widely recognized as capturing the spiritual depth and character of his subject. His extraordinary technique has often been likened to that of the Old Masters. Besides traditional oils on canvas, Mr. Szabo developed a technique of painting oils on brass and copper. He also produced a large number of pastels and ink drawings.
One-Man Exhibits
In his travels, Mr. Szabo held numerous exhibitions and shows. Perhaps his most notable one-man show was in Tehran, Iran, during the Coronation of the Shah in 1968, at the invitation of the government of Iran. Other One-Man Shows Included:
- Lima, Peru (1956)
- Caracas, Venezuela (1959)
- Caracas, Venezuela (1960)
- Pittsburgh, PA (1963)
- Los Angeles, CA (1967)
- San Antonio, TX (1968)
- Houston, TX (1968)
Teaching
Teaching was always a part of Mr. Szabo's profession. Everywhere he traveled his classes were in demand. His naturally outgoing personality and his love of art always translated into an enthusiasm that he shared with his pupils. He always strove to give individual attention to each student.
On a personal note it must be said that Endre Szabo was a very talented, kind and very likeable man with a keen sense of humor. He had three children of whom he was very fond. His travels were always extensive and it was not uncommon to move from one city to another every six months. First priority in a new location was light – windows allowing for his work. He loved the oceans and the lakes, enjoying the sand, sea air, swimming and fishing. He liked the simple, unsophisticated life and above all freedom. Never wealthy by monetary terms, he was a rich man who lived life to the fullest.
He enjoyed his travels and stays, and also all of his many friends. In his life he lived in numerous cities in Europe, South America and the U.S., including Puerto Rico and Hawaii. He also spent time in Canada and Mexico.
His numerous visits home to Hungary were always celebrations, with his wonderful mother, aunts, uncles, cousins and old friends all vying for his attention.
What more can one ask than to enjoy one’s profession, and it can be said that he loved his art. He loved classical music and always painted with the finest accompaniment – Beethoven, Mozart and Vivaldi in particular. It is good to leave such a legacy and we are honored at this time to further his name and reputation.
M. Szabo
Endre Szabo Art Exhibition Brochure
The below images were scanned from one of the brochures Endre offered during his numerous art exhibitions across America and the world. This particular copy had been dedicated to my Uncle Melvin.
