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 Growing up the son of a famous sports artist had its definite advantages. Ron Stark is the son of Bruce Stark, sports cartoonist for the New York Daily News during the 60s, 70s, and 80s. "Access to the Yanks and Mets, Jets and Giants as well as my Dad's wonderful studio were things I suppose I took for granted," Ron recalls. "It was an atmosphere that was the perfect training ground for where I am today." The problem, however, was that the tremendous success his dad experienced became intimidating as Ron began to explore his career options. Deciding that anything but an artist in his dad's shadow would be a suitable career choice, the vocational winding path included Christian missionary service, college professor, and private practice mental health counselor. About 15 years ago, the latent talent and drive to create began to reemerge. "It's like the light just went on and I began to draw and draw. Eventually I attacked color and oil painting, and my portfolio began to grow." An acclaimed full-time artist for many years now, Ron's sports portraits are in demand by collectors throughout the US. Alongside his commission work, he has carved out a niche as an illustrator, requested by, among others, The Upper Deck Company, TOPPS Inc., The Bradford Group, Golf Digest, and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in New York. Created in pencil or oils, Ron Stark's art transports you back to a simpler and more innocent time, a time before the mass media and 30-second sound bits. One look at his work and memories of old begin flooding your head. Lawrence Zupan, former agent for Peter Max, remarked that Ron's works have a Norman Rockwell-like quality and detail so fine that each piece is filled with emotion.
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