Maurice Cook was born in the rural town of Carbon Hill, Alabama. He has painted most of his life, and has no formal training. While most of the people in his paintings are black, his work is more of the rural south, rather than what is called "Black Art". He sometimes paints Jazz musicians and scenes with an urban look. Maurice is married with one daughter and living in Birmingham, Alabama.

Maurice Cook is a Vietnam veteran. He has worked as a juvenile detention officer (where he has used his art to communicate with the children.) In addition, he has worked as a barber, welder, craftsman, and for the past ten years as a fireman. He now paints full-time.