Gunter Horst Korus

June 23, 1925 - August 1, 2021

Gunter Horst Korus Niskayuna – Gunter H. Korus, 96, of St. David’s Lane, Niskayuna, passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at River Ridge Living Center, Amsterdam. He was born in Berlin, Germany on June 23, 1925. Gunter studied at the Atelier Kukenthal, The State Academy of Berlin, and The School for Graphic Arts, learning the time-honored Old World Tradition, figure and calligraphy with leading masters of Europe. Also trained in etching, lithography and, printmaking, Mr. Korus developed an impressive understanding of chemical interactions and durability of paint materials. In 1945, Gunter opened his first studio in Munich specializing in illustration and portraiture. He emigrated to South America in the fifties before coming to The United States in 1960. For a brief period of time, Gunter lived in New York City until settling in the Adirondacks where the countryside became the muse of his professional career. In the early sixties, Mr. Korus began painting the landscapes of western New York to south of the Catskills. Working predominately in the oil paint medium, he was also skilled with watercolor and copper plate printing. He began to integrate artifacts of local history into his still life paintings, documenting indigenous history. Gunter’s painting style evolved over the years as he explored naturalism, to interpretive and impressionistic realism. He was skilled at texture, detail, subtle tones, shading and shadows. He was able to capture patina and weathering of metals, brick, fine wood, grain, and warmth that would extend an invitation to the observer. Mr. Korus enjoyed many years exhibiting his work at the Tilting at Windmills Gallery in Manchester, VT. Gunter has won awards at the Cooperstown National Art Show and earned the Grand Prize for his painting in 1979, “Old Copper”. In the early eighties, his work was shown in New York City at the Second International Art Exposition, The International Exposition at the Coliseum and the West Coast Art Show in San Francisco, gaining worldwide recognition. Mr. Korus’ paintings have been exhibited in many galleries and collected on a national scale. The depths of his artistry extended beyond painting with a keen intellect. He was well-read, a talented chess player, accomplished photographer, and spent hours in his mini-greenhouse, caring for his orchids. Gunter is survived by a circle of dear friends. Cremation was performed at Park View Crematorium, Schenectady. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 12 until 1 p.m. at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc. 111 County Highway 106 (Corner of Route 29 and Black Street) Johnstown. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Linda Martin, Officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Gunter’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association - Northeastern New York Chapter, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405 Albany, NY 12205 or online at alz.org/northeasternny To express online condolences visit www.halgasfuneralhome.com.