Wes Coke

Wes Coke (b. 1978) is a figurative oil painter based in Fort Worth, Texas, where he lives with his wife and daughter. He grew up in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and studied bronze sculpture at the University of North Texas, finishing in 2003. Though his formal education emphasized three-dimensional work, his artistic journey took a transformative turn when he began painting in 2020.

Coke has been working professionally as a commissioned artist since 2018, initially producing sculptures and other creative work for private clients. His shift to painting marked a significant evolution in his practice, allowing him to explore the emotional depth and complexity of the human form through a different medium. His paintings are primarily figurative, often capturing intimate, contemplative moments or expressive gestures that reflect a range of human experiences. Some pieces lean toward realism; others are more loose and expressive. He’s not afraid to experiment or let the mood of a piece decide where it goes. Whether he’s painting a portrait or exploring something more abstract, the goal is always the same: to capture something honest, human, and real.

Today, Coke maintains a studio practice in Fort Worth, where he continues to accept commis...

University of North Texas