Morris Katz, the world famous shomer Shabbos painter who demonstrated his “Instant Art” technique before enthusiastic audiences world-wide for over 50 years, passed away this morning in New York.
Morris holds records in the Guiness World Book of Records for being the world’s fastest artist.
On July 15, 1987, Morris painted for 12 consecutive hours at New York City’s then Penta Hotel (now Hotel Pennsylvania) during which time he completed 103 paintings and sold 55 on the spot.
Morris was the author of the book “Paint Good and Fast” which explains his techniques.
His paintings hang in some of the finest homes and museums throughout the world. Over 100 museums around the globe own and have exhibited his art. The Smithsonian Institute has three of his paintings on display.
Morris had studios in New York City and Yerushalayim, and more recently opened a studio at Decorative Touch Furniture in Lakewood, NJ.
At the Roma Pizza Guiness Record Holders Convention in New York City on May 9, 1988, Morris painted a 12 inch by 16 inch canvas of a child in the snow in 30 seconds plus 8 seconds to frame it. That set a new world record.
Using only a palette knife and wads of toilet tissue, Morris created and sold over 225,000 original oil paintings, having, in the process, wrested the crown from none other than Picasso himself. He broke Picasso’s record on October 1st, 1985.
Morris did not marry.
May he rest in peace.
{Yossi Schneider-Matzav.com Newscenter}
BDh”E.
It would be a good idea to post his & his father’s names so that the Tzibur could learn l’iluy Nishmaso.
BDE he was a sweet man.
Baruch Dayan Haaemess!
We davened together in the same Shul in The Bronx, NY for many years.
Yehe Zichro Baruch!
BD’E
“renowned Shomer shabbos” there are lots o Shomer shabbos. He probably excelled in his shmiras shabbos. Ashrov veashrei chelko.
Morris Katz had a veryt kind heart. I once saw him painting for free as a fundraiser for children with cancer.
A sweet man, an amazing painter, and a true one of a kind.
SINCE HE HAD NO FAMILY IS THERE ANY INFPRMATION ABOUT KVURAH?
I’m shocked ;he had so much energy;he was amazing.I remember him when I first went to the Catskill as a youngster painting the Kotel in 2 minutes!
teheye nishmatu baruch!
No family? Maybe not by blood, but the neighborhood of Pelham Parkway, Bronx NY was his home for many years, and they held his Leviah yesterday.
May he rest in peace. He was an amazing man with a great spirit, a great eye and a great heart.