Jessica Cook is a figurative and nature painter whose work dances between realism and abstraction. With a gestural style that radiates movement and energy, she captures the essence of everyday life—whether loosely depicting people in motion, flowers swaying in the breeze, or birds mid-flight.
A Texas native, Cook pursued dual degrees in English and Advertising at the University of Texas in Austin, which led to a thriving communications career. But her passion for art never waned. She developed a disciplined practice of life drawing and kept a daily visual journal, sharpening her ability to translate fleeting moments onto canvas. Her formal training includes studies at the Austin Fine Arts Classes atelier and mentorships with renowned figurative artists, including an apprenticeship with esteemed portrait artist Marc Chatov. In addition to working with Chatov, Cook has also studied under artists Elizabeth Locke, Yana Beylinson, and Alice Williams.
Cook’s work has been showcased in solo exhibitions at Emory University and various Atlanta venues. She has earned recognition in juried shows, with her paintings now gracing collections across the country. Having lived in the Pacific Northwest, New York City, and Atlanta, she has now returned to her Texas roots, where she continues to paint, explore, and push the boundaries of her craft.
I have always been inspired by the varieties of expression in people and animals. Creating figurative works helps me observe closely, to move beyond first impressions and connect more deeply with our world. I paint in a gestural style and like to portray movement and energy, whether I’m loosely depicting people, flowers or birds. While I’m trained in traditional painting techniques, I often add collage, thick texture, words and calligraphic marks to my paintings. Ultimately, I’m inspired by the wildness of nature, aiming for a sense of abandon and freedom in my work. - Jessica Cook