

Nathan Cook is a U.S. Army veteran and professional fine artist currently studying Studio Art at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and minoring in Business Information Systems. Nathan was a proud member of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 87th Infantry Regiment (Task Force Summit) at Ft. Drum, NY.
Initially self-taught, Nathan refined his technical skills under the guidance of artists Rickey Sikes and Krista Schoening. His practice encompasses a diverse range of mediums, with a particular focus on oil painting, digital art, and dry media techniques. His artwork captures the complexities of identity, resilience, and emotional introspection, reflecting both personal experiences and broader human truths.
Influenced by the experimental approaches of Russell Mills and the expressive intensity of artists such as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and Vincent van Gogh. Nathan combines traditional techniques with abstract expressionism and psychological depth. He utilizes vivid colors, deliberate brushwork, and strategic use of negative space to create compelling portraits that convey profound emotional narratives.
Nathan's creative process is driven by his passion for exploring the fragile yet powerful dynamics of the human experience. Through his evolving body of work, Nathan continually challenges himself and his audience, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and emotional expression.
-
(2025) City of Little Rock – Inaugural City Hall Art Gallery Exhibition: Featured in the first-ever City Hall art installation with the 2024 oil painting "Field of Tranquility."
​
-
(2025) Sandra Sell Endowed Visual Arts Scholarship – Awarded for academic excellence and artistic merit at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
​
-
(2025) Arkansas Arts Council (AAC) Small Works on Paper Exhibition: Selected to showcase the digital artwork "Vase of Flowers, Blue" in this annual exhibition touring nine locations throughout Arkansas, highlighting outstanding digital work by artists from across the state.
​
-
(2024) Signature Experience Grant (SEG) – Nominated for funding to support the “Warrior Series,” a large-scale painting project exploring strength and identity. Nathan declined the award due to timeline limitations.
​
-
(2024) Exhibited “Chromatic Persona”: Featured in the UALR Student Competitive Exhibition at the Brad Cushman Gallery.
​
-
(2023) Cindy & Greg Feltus Endowed Visual Arts Scholarship: Recognized for artistic excellence at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
​
-
(2023) “The Dancers”: Published and recognized in Medicine & Meaning journal.​​​​
​
-
(2022) Little Rock Centennial Art Exhibit: Showcased “Butterfly” and “The Machine.”
​​


