 | |
| Peter Cox teaching at Art Students League (photo from Workshop magazine Spring 2007) |
Peter Cox has died.
The teacher who most impacted my art and my life, who altered the very way I see the world.
As an artist he was extraordinary in his approach and in the aesthetic he pursued. He may have not been as famous as other artists, but those who know of his art know him to be great.
 |
| "Study for Vespers" by Peter Cox 48 x 28, oil on panel, 2009 |
As soon as finances allowed I went to Peter’s class at Art Students League and it was an immediate connection. He changed my art; he taught me how to think about things in a different way and to see, really see, color. HE CHANGED MY LIFE. Other teacher's classes all paled in comparison.
As I was growing professionally, I spent 5 years going back and forth from Atlanta to New York for Peter’s classes. My skills and understanding of the visual language grew until my confidence and busy schedule caused a transition that resulted in my discontinuing extended visits to NYC. After a decade and more of professional work and not going to class, I resolved to go back to see him in 2006 via his workshops at Art Students League. His tremendous artistic evolution was on display and there we were again - Peter teaching and me soaking it up like a sponge twice a year for almost a decade more.
My class notes from those times are precious to me, now more than ever. A single phrase from him could fling open doors in my mind and clarify the mysteries. I had hoped he would write and publish a book in his lifetime. Some vehicle to preserve his massive artistic knowledge, his philosophy, his approach.
But Peter has died.
And I cannot express in words the depth of my grief.
Charles Young Walls
Atlanta GA | September 8, 2017
___________________________________
 |
| "Couple" by Peter Cox 28.5 x 32, charcoal, pastel, graphite on bristol, 2000 |
For more information about Peter Cox please visit:
Peter Cox website
The Art Spirit Gallery's website
16 comments:
Charles...I just found this..Peter was a dear friend since college...thanks for your kind words about him...and press on...Steve Carbone
This is Mariko, Joan’s daughter. It makes me so happy to read this. I am sad for his passing as well and treasure the gift of art that he left with all of us. Thank you Charles for writing this.
Peter was a great artist. In my opinion one of the greatest that ever lived. My name is Darnell Edwards, and Peter nurtured my anatomical studies and helped me in my professional career. His words continue in my mind to be a tour D force for creating works of art. May his soul rest in peace.
Peter was a great artist. In my opinion one of the greatest that ever lived. My name is Darnell Edwards, and Peter nurtured my anatomical studies and helped me in my professional career. His words continue in my mind to be a tour D force for creating works of art. May his soul rest in peace.
Peter was a great artist. In my opinion one of the greatest that ever lived. My name is Darnell Edwards, and Peter nurtured my anatomical studies and helped me in my professional career. His words continue in my mind to be a tour D force for creating works of art. May his soul rest in peace.
Peter's art shows the turmoil and chaos of his soul. Im a therapist and a Yogi. I could write pageson that...However, there is no other who has done the kind of work he had done. Totally unique. No one could even try to do what he did, it's truly unique. His soul will continue on a higher plane, in peace.
I studied painting with Peter for five years at the Art Students League. He was an extraordinary teacher who was generous with his knowledge and time. It saddens me that he is no longer with us to share his unique talents. A truly great artist.
Peter was my favorite instructor at the ASL. I was just now thinking about him and googled and now...this. Heartbroken.
Norma Lendek I studied five years w Peter at the ASL never has there existed in a room the energy he gave us. We where deeply in love w this giant of art. I can't express the pain of losing him. Will live forever in my heart.
Hi Charles,
My name is Joe Pena and I worked at a gallery called MB Modern that at the time represented the work of Peter Cox. While it had been sometime since I had spoken to Peter, I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing two years ago. He was a kind, generous with his wisdom, and a true mentor. He let me assist him in his studio in SOHO and would impart knowledge of painting and drawing for my time. It was a true gift. I continue to share his knowledge with my own students now. Thank you for sharing your post.
I was just telling my wife about him and came across this article. He was very kind and helpful to me when I studied painting in New York 17 yrs ago. Rest in peace Peter. Thank you.
I was shocked to learn of Peter's death. I went to the Phoenix School of Design with Peter in the '60s. I then went to other art schools and (after on and off for many years) to the Art Students League, NYC in 1996 and was in Peter's Life Drawing class of over 60 students. He was just wonderful as an artist, a teacher and a person. I saw his paintings at a gallery on 57th St. and said I will be painting like him some day. My career as a graphic designer (before and after) continued for the next few years. I told my wife that I was now ready March 2020, to get my Peter Cox painting stimulation, and as I said, was completely shocked to hear of his passing. Much too early for this great artist. And how come there is nothing on the internet about him except for Charles Walls exceptional commentary and the Art Spirit gallery?.
I am deeply saddened about his death. Travelled from Spain in 1999 to attend his classes. RIP
Peter Cox was THE Artist and THE Teacher to me.
I can only celebrate him with my work, and remembering him through my career as the artist I became. He taught me the patience of seeing the light and he is now one of those lights I see on my artistic path.
Thank you Peter, you will always be present in my journey.
Antonella Mason – artist
Same here, everyone. I am shocked to learn this as I have been thinking about Peter so I had googled him. Peter was my painting instructors at FIT in 1982. I also took a life drawing class with him at the ASL 3 years after graduating. He was so talented and knew how to teach his craft. He was an incredible artist and teacher/mentor who really cared about his students. He had such energy that he expressed through his teachings as well as through his art. Wow. You are still with us in our hearts. RIP Peter Cox
I have quite a few original pieces of Peter Cox’s work that was left to me by my uncle. I am interested in selling. Please contact me if interested.
drmnj@ aol.com
Michael Johnson
Post a Comment