Best known for her rich watercolors, Ransom Canyon, Texas artist Bettye Phillips Cook began her professional art career before graduating from Rice, where she illustrated yearbooks, did fashion plates for the local paper and medical illustration. After marrying, she and another Rice grad, Dave Cook moved to Lubbock, where he coached high school basketball.

In Lubbock, Bettye spent several years as Art Director for Lubbock's NBC affiliate. She requested a crash course in animation from Walt Disney, and some of her animated ads can still be seen. Always drawing, sometimes free-lancing in commercial art, she raised their three children in Midland. (She's "Mom" to Old Spanish Trail Studio painter Lindy Severns), pursued a teaching career, penned customized cartoons to delight friends, neighbors, graduates, newlyweds and new parents across Texas.

Originally an oil painter, Bettye Cook took up watercolors and acrylics after moving to Ransom Canyon. Her painting creditrs include a room-sized jungle mural in Midland, TX. (After that marathon, she says she prefers a more manageable size.)  Bettye's subjects range from florals to landscapes to still lifes to figures. 

The versitile artist is an active member of the Lubbock Watercolor Association, The Lubbock Art Association and is a founding member of the Ransom Canyon Splash Group. She exhibits her work in regional shows.

Bettye Cook welcomes commissions for all types of art. Contact her through the studio with your ideas or requests.