The arts community across Renfrewshire is this week paying tribute to celebrated artist Liz Knox.
Paisley Art Institute (PAI) – of which Liz was a long-time member and former president – said her loss was deeply felt by all who knew her.
Liz died at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley on December 22 after a long illness.
Her friends and family came together to celebrate her life at a funeral service on Thursday, a woman described as a “caring and inspiring teacher who became an award-winning artist”.
Liz taught fine art and environmental art at Paisley’s Reid Kerr College but eventually left to paint full time in 2003.
Passionate about art from a young age, Liz graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 1971 where she studied drawing and painting under Sir Robin Philipson and David Michie.
She became an elected artist member of Glasgow Art Club, Glasgow Society of Women Artists and elected professional member of Visual Arts Scotland.
Her ties with Reid Kerr College – which had a student exchange programme with Russia – saw a PAI exhibition staged in St Petersberg in September 2003.
A spokesperson for the institute told the Express: “Liz was always passionate about art and kept up her own painting, while promoting art and inspiring her students.
“Eventually she took the risky step of leaving her college job to concentrate on her art.
“Her timing was perfect as she found she was the first recipient of the PAI’s Aspect prize, which came with £10,000 funding to do a solo show for an artist new to London.
“Needless to say, her career flourished and she was regularly in galleries throughout the UK.
“Liz’s paintings are in private collections in Europe, the Middle East and USA and in corporate collections such as those held by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
“She continued to support aspiring artists by sponsoring an award at each PAI annual exhibition.”
Liz served as PAI president between 2008 and 2010, steering the organisation to great success throughout her tenure.
The spokesperson added: “Liz presented three excellent annual exhibitions, and also the 2009 national drawing competition.
“The institute had been going from strength to strength all through the nineties and the noughties. London galleries were up to talent scout and choose award recipients.
“Liz chose to keep up the PAI reputation as a leading exhibiting body in Scotland, the group to show with if you are serious about a career in art. Our invited artists included David Hockney R A, her famous tutor sir Robin Philipson, Sir Anthony Caro, who worked as assistant to Henry Moore, Alan Davie and Simon Manby and Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.”
Liz was the beloved wife of Peter Whittle and loving mother of Hamish and Ben.
The family welcomes donations to Accord Hospice in lieu of flowers.
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