Today this contemporary realist holds some of the most prestigious awards in the world of western art. Realizing that most art schools would not support his highly realistic approach he chose to study formal drawing with William Whitaker at Brigham Young University. Cox sought out cowboy artists he admired who provided sound advice and reinforced the direction of his work.  

Today Tim Cox is known as a perfectionist, capturing the experiences of the modern working cowboy amid a background of incredible landscapes and often stormy skies of America’s open range. He has painted professionally since 1975, working ten hours a day, often seven days a week. Cox has been the featured artist at the annual Cattleman’s Western Art Show in San Luis Obispo and invited to show at the prestigious Prix de West Show at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.  his “On To Better Pastures” won the National Academy of Western Arts Prix de West Purchase Award.  He was the judge’s favorite of the nearly 300 paintings at the 2003 show which featured the works of 92 highly acclaimed artists.  Cox was commissioned to paint 1997 Kentucky Derby winner, Silver Charm. His work has graced over 60 magazine covers including “Western Horseman” & “The Cattleman and Quarter Horse Journal”. Tim Cox certainly deserves his reputation as “the cowboy’s painter”.

He and his wife Suzie, a former rodeo champion, live with their two children in the remote ranching community of Eagle Creek, Arizona, since 1978, where mail comes just once a week & the nearest telephone, electric pole or grocery store is an hour & a half away – completely engrossed in the life he creates on canvas.