David Cox (artist)

David Cox (1783-1859) was an English landscape painter, one of the most important figures of the Birmingham School of landscape art. He is considered one of the greatest British watercolorists and a significant influence on the later development of landscape painting.

Born in Deritend, Birmingham, Cox initially worked as a scene painter and then as a drawing master. He moved to London in 1804, where he began to exhibit at the Royal Academy. Early in his career, he focused on meticulous detail and precise topographical accuracy.

Around 1814, Cox moved to Hereford, where he taught drawing and painting. This period marked a shift in his style towards a looser, more expressive approach, influenced by the work of Peter Paul Rubens and the French Romantic painters. He began to prioritize capturing the atmosphere and emotional impact of the landscape over strict representation.

In 1841, Cox returned to Birmingham and settled in Harborne. He took up oil painting late in life, developing a characteristic style of bold brushwork and vibrant color. His oil paintings, while initially criticised, are now highly regarded.

Cox's most celebrated works are his landscapes, particularly those depicting the Welsh countryside and the landscapes around Birmingham. He is known for his ability to capture the changing light and weather conditions of the British landscape. His legacy lies in his innovative use of watercolor, his expressive brushwork, and his profound influence on the development of landscape painting. Key characteristics of his mature style include broad washes, impasto techniques in both watercolor and oil, and a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. His work can be found in major museums and galleries throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.