Virginia “Virgie” Claxton was born in Gatesville. She moved to
Houston in 1910. She studied with
José Arpa,
André Lhote,
Grant Wood, and Emil Bisttram.
She became an important member of the Houston art community.
Widowed after only two years of marriage to Mr. Lowenstein, she
signed her painting with her married named during that two year
period. In 1927 she was on the executive staff of the Christoval
Art Colony. Grant Wood said she was the most apt pupil he
had while she was his pupil. Specializing in landscapes, her
paintings were critically received. Her work in the annual
Houston Artists Exhibitions, the Southern State Art League, and
in many regional exhibitions made her a popular artist of the
1930’s and 1940’s.