Creative Periods

Early Period (1950s)

The early period is marked by an emphasis on plein air painting with vivid impressions of urban and rural landscapes in Spain and Greece. The works from this decade are characterised by bright colours and a youthful energy. Markellos was deeply immersed in the traditions of the Spanish masters, and his art from this time reflects the warmth and light of the Castilian and Greek countryside.

The Paris Period (1960–1962)

A special chapter in the artist's career, devoted to Paris. Markellos created a large body of work exploring the atmosphere of the city through different climatic conditions and moments of the day — rain, snow, sunshine, and twilight along the Seine. In 1972, he exhibited 100 paintings from this period at the Parnassos Hall in Athens under the title "Paris 1960–1962".

Pelion & the Aegean Islands (1964–1974)

This period is distinguished by a deep exploration of Greek nature and the characteristic light of the Pelion region and the Aegean islands. It was a time of intensive work in which Markellos systematically captured the distinctive qualities of Greek mountain and island landscapes — cypress trees, stone houses, olive groves, and the ever-changing sea. A major exhibition of this period, "Pelion 1964–1974", was held at the Pneumatic Center in Athens in 1975.

Mature Period (1975–1989)

The artist further developed and refined his personal style, which became more expressive and deeply individual. He created important series depicting cities such as Venice, as well as ports and shipyards. The mature period also saw significant recognition, with exhibitions at the Grand Palais in Paris (Comparaisons '82) and galleries across Greece and Europe. His palette grew richer and his compositions more confident.

Late Period (1990s–2000s)

Markellos' style became freer and more contemplative. The works from this period are calmer, with a softness in colour and form, while preserving the emotional depth of lived experience. The brushwork is loose yet assured, and there is a sense of peaceful mastery throughout — the distillation of decades of artistic practice.

Significant Works

Among the most notable individual works that are representative of Markellos' style and artistic vision:

"Gypsy" (1957) — The painting that won an international distinction at the VI World Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow. It exemplifies the realism of the early period with strong expressive elements.

"Sunset on the Seine" (Paris series, 1960–1962) — Distinguished by the characteristic lyricism of the artist, capturing the atmospheric and romantic mood of Paris at dusk.

"Shipyard in Piraeus" (1986) — Known for its dynamic composition and precise rendering of the industrial atmosphere of the working waterfront.