Jack Atkins is a fourth generation New Mexican, born and raised in the north central part of the state. As a teenager in Taos, he was heavily influenced by the emphasis placed by the community on its art and artists. This eventually led to his current fascination with the culture and traditions of the southwest in general, and New Mexico in particular. The intense desert light and vistas became the inspiration for his use of vivid colors and dramatic compositions to capture the underlying sense of drama and history of the area.

Jack received a degree in geology from New Mexico State University and went on to a successful career as a petroleum geologist, but because he was always feeling that something was missing, he moved back to New Mexico and finally realized his need to express his feelings through his art. He studied under Louis Maestas at Art Masters Academy in Albuquerque and since that time has enjoyed a fulfilling career as a professional artist.

Jack paints in a contemporary realist style, usually choosing Southwestern themes, particularly those relating to regional cultures and traditions.