Michael Satterfield
Few artists embody the Texas spirit of independence and craftsmanship quite like Kate Cook. From her studio in the Lone Star State, she has carved a unique niche at the intersection of fine art and automotive culture, transforming metal and canvas into striking works of Americana. As the founder of Asphalt Canvas Custom Art, Cook has gained recognition for her signature “Artemotiv” method—a fusion of traditional oil painting techniques with high-performance automotive enamels. Her journey, rooted in the car culture of Southern California and refined in the heart of Texas, is a testament to her dedication, ingenuity, and fearless creativity.
From California Roots to Texas Grit
Born and raised in Twin Peaks, California, Cook’s artistic foundation was built in a community surrounded by galleries and tourist towns, just an hour’s drive from the bustling hot rod scene of the valley. “I was always torn between two worlds—fine art and the visceral energy of cars,” she recalls. Her mother fostered her artistic talents, while her father, a master mechanic, introduced her to the world of restoration and customization.
By 16, Cook had already become a published illustrator, a milestone that allowed her to purchase her first car—a 1966 Jeepster Commando. What started as a project car quickly turned into a full-scale restoration with her father, shaping her appreciation for craftsmanship, patience, and attention to detail. That Jeepster, now a fully restored piece of rolling history, remains the heart of her business today.
Her path toward professional artistry continued through college, culminating in a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. However, the defining moment came when she met her husband, Morgan, a Texan whose unwavering support encouraged her to take the leap and dedicate herself to her art full-time. “Morgan looked at me one day and said, ‘If you don’t do it now, when will you?’” she says. That question set everything into motion.
The Birth of Asphalt Canvas Custom Art & Artemotiv
Cook’s business, Asphalt Canvas, was born from her deep-rooted passion for blending artistic precision with the rugged beauty of machines. What sets her apart is her innovative Artemotiv method—her trademarked approach to painting using automotive-grade enamels and high-gloss clear coats. “I wanted my art to be more than just representations of cars,” she explains. “I wanted to use the same materials that make them iconic.”
The transition from traditional oils to automotive paints was anything but easy. Working alongside Josh Gonzalez of In Line Six Autobody in Lampasas, Texas, Cook refined her Artemotiv techniques, ensuring that her works would not only look stunning but also stand the test of time. “Painting with automotive enamels is a completely different ballgame compared to oils,” she says. “It’s unforgiving—you have to get it right the first time.”
Her attention to detail and mastery of technique have made her a sought-after artist within the custom car and hot rod communities, setting her work apart in an industry where craftsmanship is everything.
Nostalgia in Motion
Cook’s art is steeped in nostalgia, paying homage to a bygone era of classic cars, pinstriping, and American road culture. Her High Gloss collection, for instance, merges vintage aesthetics with contemporary elements, incorporating mid-century wallpaper patterns with modern color palettes to create a timeless visual experience.
“My goal is to bridge the past and present, to create something that resonates with people on a deeper level,” she says. “Cars have stories, just like the people who love them. My job is to capture that essence on canvas.”
Beyond canvas and metal panels, Cook has expanded her portfolio to include pinstriping and custom lettering on cars, motorcycles, helmets, and even boats. “I love that my art isn’t just something to be hung on a wall—it’s something that can move, be driven, and be lived with.”
A Breakout Moment at SEMA
Every artist has a defining moment that propels them into the next chapter of their career. For Cook, that moment came in 2017 when she entered an international art contest hosted by Red Kap Workwear. She created an intricate automotive enamel piece featuring a vintage hot rod reflecting the Las Vegas skyline, accompanied by a pin-up girl fueling up the machine. To her surprise, she won the grand prize.
Winning meant her design would be featured on over 1,000 T-shirts distributed at SEMA, the world’s largest automotive trade show. Rather than take a flight to the event, Cook and her husband packed up their 1964 Dodge Polara and embarked on an epic road trip along Route 66 to SEMA. The experience cemented her place in the automotive art world and solidified her reputation as a serious contender.
Carrying the Rat Fink Legacy
As a longtime admirer of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and his legendary Rat Fink character, Cook knew that licensing would be essential to creating official artwork under the brand. “Rat Fink represents everything I love about hot rod culture—it’s rebellious, fun, and unapologetically unique,” she says. Securing licensing through the Ed Roth Corporation allowed her to create officially numbered and signed pieces under Roth’s iconic signature, connecting her work to a lineage of automotive artistry.
Giving Back Through Artemotiv
Cook’s artistry extends beyond the studio and into philanthropy. She has played an integral role in reviving and co-hosting the Great Texas Panel Jam, a live painting event that raises funds for Scottish Rite for Children. Over the past 13 years, the event has generated more than $300,000 for the hospital, an effort that has taken on even greater significance for Cook as a mother. “As a parent, supporting children’s well-being means more to me than ever,” she says. “Using my talent to make an impact in that way is one of the most fulfilling things I can do.”
Beyond charity events, she also lends her expertise to aspiring artists through The Curated Craftsmen podcast, a platform she created to highlight the stories of artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs. “I wanted to share conversations about the realities of being a working artist, the challenges, the triumphs—everything that comes with pursuing a creative career,” she says. The podcast has quickly gained traction, offering insights into the artistry, business, and faith that guide her path.
The Road Ahead
With a growing client base, a thriving podcast, and an ever-expanding body of work, Cook is just getting started. She continues to develop new pieces in her High Gloss series, with an eye toward exhibiting in select fine art galleries that specialize in automotive-inspired work. At the same time, she’s planning her return to Concours events, building upon her previous experience as an exhibitor at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
For Cook, the journey is about more than just painting cars—it’s about storytelling, craftsmanship, and legacy. “I want my work to be something that gets passed down, just like classic cars,” she says. “Art and machines both have the power to connect generations. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave.”
With every brushstroke, every carefully laid enamel line, and every collaboration with fellow artists and automotive legends, Kate Cook is proving that the road to artistry, much like the road itself, is best traveled with passion, precision, and a fearless sense of adventure.
Learn more about kate and her Artemotiv art style at AsphaltCanvasCustomArt.com
