Ted Charles Cowart

1938 - 2024

Ted Charles Cowart
02/05/1938 - 05/24/2024
Born in Oklahoma City on February 5, 1938, Ted Charles Cowart died on May 24, 2024, while on a painting trip to a picturesque ranch just outside Austin, Texas. Painting, drawing, and the Arts were his lifelong passions, and he died in pursuit of more beautiful scenes to capture on canvas. Ted was 86 years old.
Ted was born to William Lomax Cowart and Bessie Viola (Underwood) Cowart in 1938. He is survived by his niece, Monica Rene Cowart; her husband, Kevin Jay Ellenwood; his great-niece, Haley Rebecca Cowart-Sciarrone; and his brother, Bill Tex Cowart; his wife, Joyce Cowart. He was preceded in death by his partner, Gary Palmer Hays.
Ted began his lifelong love of the arts at the very early age of two and started his formal education at eight, when he was awarded a full scholarship to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. He continued this M.F.A.H. scholarship through high school while also studying art at Lanier Middle School and Lamar High School. After graduation, he moved to California to study at the Art Center of Design In Los Angeles.
His art education was interrupted by an 18-month stint in mandatory military service. Always inspired by his environment, he painted portraits, but also ignited a love of Europe while in the Army. Many of his works are influenced by memories of scenes of Europe.
After serving in the Army, Ted moved to New York City and embarked on a career in the advertising industry. An opening with Revlon led to a position with a national marketing company. With national clients from New York City to Beverly Hills, as well as portrait work of celebrities, he began concentrating on his artwork and building his reputation. Magazines such as Vogue and Bazaar soon became regular clients.
He returned to Houston to build his own advertising company with his business partner, Gary Hays. As the business of Cowart and Hays grew, Ted began to focus on his painting. Ted enjoyed an ever-growing list of art fans and gained an extensive following for his work, both his beloved landscapes and seascapes of Texas, as well as beautiful abstract paintings. His work has been featured in galleries throughout the country and internationally.
Ted loved his life. His spirit, creativity, and joyful attitude will be missed by friends and family. We invite and encourage anyone touched by Ted's life to share a story or leave a memory on his tribute page on BradshawCarter.com