Richard Hook (1914-1975) was a talented and inspired artist who was best known for painting sketches of Jesus in the 1960's and 1970's. He created major religious works for many publishers over the years, including Concordia Publishing House. Titles such as such as the Head of Christ and The Good Shepherd are often credited to his wife Frances Hook — an artist who would later be called "the Berta Hummel of America" for her ability to capture the emotions and expressions of youngsters in everyday situations.

While attending the Pennsylvania Museum School of Art, Richard met fellow student Frances Arnold. After their graduation, Richard helped Frances launch her commercial art career.

Richard Hook became a well established illustrator in his own right for such magazines as Colliers and The Saturday Evening Post before Lillian Brune, the first art director of CPH, "discovered" him while visiting his wife Frances.

Richard often worked with his wife, painting the men while she focused on painting the women and children. The couple's most famous joint venture was illustrating the Living Bible for Tyndale House Publishers. This particular collaboration was so successful that the publishers rewarded Richard and his wife with a trip to Israel.

The couple worked closely and well together until Richard lost his battle with cancer in 1975.