Makuc was one of the best known Slovenian contemporary artists, whose signature style reflects his attachment to the western region of Primorsko.

Art critic Milček Komelj has recently described his art as dominated by his devotion to the coastal or Mediterranean world in general and focusing on landscapes, animals and local people.

Foremost a graphic artist, Makuc received the Prešeren Prize for his oeuvre of prints in 1979, the most prestigious national award for arts and culture in Slovenia.

In 1987, he received the Jakopič Prize, the top award for fine arts.

When he turned 90 last year he was decorated by the Slovenian president with the Silver Order for Merit.

At the time he was praised for his "original and sophisticated art world" and "extraordinary oeuvre".

The same year the city of Ljubljana awarded him the Župančič Award, which is given for extraordinary achievements in art and culture.

The artist was born in 1925 in the town of Solkan in the west.

After graduating from the Ljubljana Fine Arts Academy, he mostly worked on graphic art in the first 25 years of his career, also perfecting his skills in Paris with the acclaimed Johnny Friedlaender.

Later he turned to painting and installations.