Looking Back on Ron Spears’ Iconic MTG Artwork

Last updated on June 25, 2026

Biorhythm | Illustration by Ron Spears

One of Magic’s greatest artists, Ron Spears, has passed. The news broke yesterday in a Facebook post from Spears’ friend Mark Aronowitz.

Spears had a long, storied career illustrating Magic: the Gathering cards that began in 1998 when he worked as Art Director for Urza’s Saga. He continued producing art from the game up to his passing, with his most recent artwork released in Lorwyn Eclipsed. The following are some of his most iconic and stunning pieces, though it’s impossible to capture a complete picture of a career of 153 cards.

Akroma, Angel of Wrath & Phage the Untouchable

Akroma, Angel of Wrath & Phage the Untouchable | Illustration by Ron Spears

Akroma, Angel of Wrath and Phage the Untouchable are called out together as their art was painted on one piece, with an immediate influence of Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam showing. But this illustration shows a very different dynamic as Phage reaches out to destroy the angel Akroma—a touch that would rot Akroma rather than restoring life. These are iconic characters from Magic’s lore who got equally iconic art thanks to Spears.

Dark Confidant

Dark Confidant | Illustration by Ron Spears

Dark Confidant, or Bob, is one of black’s strongest creatures. The nickname comes from Bob Maher, Jr., who won the right to design and be immortalized in the art after winning the 2004 Magic Invitational. While the card’s power helps us remember it, much of the credit goes to Spears’ art, which depicts Maher planning something deadly with his confidant that will surely see him rise to horrifying heights on Ravnica.

Supreme Verdict

Supreme Verdict | Illustration by Ron Spears

The illustrations of board wipes typically focus on images of wide-spread destruction to illuminate the devastation of spells capable of razing armies, but Spears’ Supreme Verdict illustration focuses instead on the micro scale, of a siege elephant laid to waste as a byproduct of war. The image of the elephant shattering like a mirror is almost more haunting than seeing an entire battalion laid to rest.

Aphetto Alchemist

Aphetto Alchemist | Illustration by Ron Spears

Aphetto Alchemist has never seen a reprint with new art, likely because it would be hard to top the expressiveness of this piece; from the alchemist’s shifty squint to his companions finger directing him along, there’s so much character here. The art also fits very mechanically. The Alchemist is primary played as a combo card, so the suspicious tone fits the look you give an opponent when they resolve this.

Dreamtide Whale

Dreamtide Whale | Illustration by Ron Spears

Dreamtide Whale has another mechanically perfect image, as the vanishing mechanic comes across beautifully in the upper portion of the whale dissolving into cloud as it breaches the sea, where its immensely brilliant tail represents the vividness of the dream breaking apart as the tides change and somebody awakes.

Hapless Researcher

Hapless Researcher | Illustration by Ron Spears

Though the flavor text on Hapless Researcher[/cg] makes something of a joke from the subject’s unfortunate descent, the art is a touch more serious. This is the moment before the fall; the slight distance between shelf and ladder and the wide spread of the legs make it clear this scholar is about to meet the floor, but the painting captures a moment of triumph as he seizes the tome he was looking for. It is perhaps kind to remember him here, successfully in the pursuit of knowledge, rather than in a few moments.