Iconic Magic: The Gathering artist, Ron Spears, has died after complications with a brain tumor.
News of Spears’ death comes via a Facebook post from his close friend, Mark Aronowitz, who was notified by Spears’ wife, Karen, just hours ago.
According to Aronowitz, Spears had been struggling to focus over the last two years, and had recently been suffering from headaches and vision problems, which prompted a hospital visit where doctors uncovered a large brain tumor. According to his wife, Spears was scheduled to undergo surgery today, but unfortunately passed away on Monday.
With an MFA Illustration from the University of Hartfort, Spears began his career with Magic back in 1998, serving as Art Director for Urza’s Saga, and continued to produce illustrations for the game up until his passing. With over 130 unique Magic illustrations in his portfolio, Spears’ most iconic pieces include Phyrexian Alter (Invasion), Akroma, Angel of Wrath (Legions), and the timeless Dark Confidant, aka Bob (Ravnica: City of Guilds).
Outside of Magic, Spears worked with numerous big names in the entertainment field, including Upper Deck, Dungeons & Dragons, and Blizzard, and also illustrated the children’s book Dad Are You The Tooth Fairy? by Jason Alexander.
In 2012, Spears was an Artist in Residence at Zion National park where he produced numerous pieces that would go on to be featured in the Zion Human History Museum. He also served as a Professor and Chair of the Illustration Department at Savannah College of Art and Design from 2014 to 2023.
We at Star City Games send our deepest condolences to the Spears family.
View Spears’ entire portfolio of Magic cards here.