Louise Howland King Cox was an American painter known for her involvement in the Impressionist movement and her work as a portraitist. Born in San Francisco, California, on February 23, 1865, Louise showed an early talent for art, which was nurtured by her family. She was educated in Europe, where she was exposed to various artistic styles and movements, which would influence her later work.
Cox's professional training began in earnest when she moved to New York City. There, she enrolled at the Art Students League, studying under influential artists such as Kenyon Cox, who would later become her husband, and H. Siddons Mowbray. Her education continued in Paris at the Académie Julian, where she was taught by renowned artists like William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury.
Her oeuvre includes a variety of genres, from portraits to genre scenes, and she was well-regarded for her ability to capture the personality and essence of her sitters. Cox's style was characterized by a soft, sensitive approach to her subjects, often using light and color in a manner that reflected the Impressionist influence of her time. Louise Howland King Cox also illustrated several books and her illustrations were praised for their delicate and expressive nature.
Louise had a successful career, with her work being exhibited at major venues such as the Paris Salon, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the National Academy of Design. She became an associate of the National Academy in 1906 and a full academician in 1909. Cox was active in various artistic communities and was a member of the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors.
Her contributions to art were recognized with several awards throughout her lifetime. In addition to her painting and illustrating, she was also involved in teaching and sharing her knowledge and passion for art with others. Louise Howland King Cox continued to paint and exhibit her work until her later years.
Louise Howland King Cox passed away on November 6, 1945. Her legacy as an artist is marked by her role in American Impressionism and her significant work as a portraitist. Her paintings are held in various collections and continue to be appreciated for their beauty and historical significance.