About Albert Slark
Bio
Albert Slark is an award-winning Canadian illustrator and portrait painter known for his mastery of classical realism and his extensive work in book cover illustration and commemorative postage stamps.
Early Life & Education
Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, Slark showed artistic promise early on. As a child, he filled sketchbooks with drawings of superheroes and fantasy figures like Tarzan and Conan, inspired by iconic fantasy artists Boris Vallejo and Frank Frazetta.
He graduated in 1990 from the Alberta University of the Arts, majoring in Visual Communications and Fine Art. Continuing his classical training, he studied in 1992 with Michael John Angel in Toronto and later trained at the Art Students League of New York, studying under noted realist painters
Steven Assael and Max Ginsburg.
Illustration Career
Since the mid-1990s, Slark has built a prolific career as a commercial illustrator. His work includes:
- Paperback and novel cover art (over 600 covers to date)
- Romance and western genre covers (a highly sought-after specialty)
- Sci-Fi and fantasy game covers
- Advertising posters and commercial art
- USPS commemorative postage stamps
His paperback illustration work allowed him to refine his portraiture and figure painting skills, complex lighting situations—skills that naturally transitioned into a successful career in portraiture.
USPS Commission & Breakthrough
In 2003, Slark achieved a major milestone:
He became one of only three Canadians commissioned by the United States Postal Service to create celebrity portraits for commemorative stamps.
His subjects include:
- Marian Anderson
- Spencer Tracy
- Bette Davis
- Barbara Jordan
- Paul Robeson
- Countee Cullen
These works further established him as a respected realist portrait painter.
Magazines, Catalogs, Newspapers & Television
Albert Slark has been featured in numerous art publications and competition catalogs.
- Author of “Keeping Portraits Fresh”, published in International Artist Magazine
- Featured artist in American Art Collector (2013 and 2016 issues)
- Included in the 12th International ARC Competition Catalog (pp. 78 & 119)
- Included in the 13th International ARC Competition Catalog (2018, p. 320)
- Featured in the Society of Illustrators New York – 48th Annual Competition Catalog.
Newspaper Coverage
Albert’s work and career have been covered in major Canadian newspapers, including:
- The Toronto Sun
- The Toronto Star
- The National Post
Television Interviews & Appearances
Albert has appeared on several national and local television programs:
- Interviewed by CBC, City TV, CTV, and local cable stations
- Featured by Sandy Rinaldo on CTV as part of a Canadian success story segment
- Appeared on Star Portraits (Season 2), a reality television series hosted by Bravo TV
On Star Portraits, Albert painted a portrait of celebrity contractor Mike Holmes. The painting now resides in Mr. Holmes’ private collection.
Awards
Awarded by Art Guild of Scarborough
2023 Juror’s Choice award for Mrs. Gertrude Desrochers,
Awarded by The Portrait Society of Canada
2023 People’s Choice Award “Morning Reverie” Digital
2017 Certificate of Achievement, Dr. Alan Hudson. Oil on linen 32”x 40”
2015 Best Portrait Award, Ms. Carmen Whalen. Oil on linen 30”x 40”
2013 Certificate of Merit, Ms. Elora Bates. Oil on canvas 16”x 20”
2011 Certificate of Merit, Mr. Ernest Fisher. Oil on canvas 30”x 36”
Finalist in the 12th Art Renewal Center International Salon 2016/2017 for the paintings “The Muse, ” Oil on Panel, and the portrait of Carmen Whalen.
Finalist in the 13th ARC International Salon “Chinese Fan & Lemon”
The painting of Marian Anderson won an honorable mention awarded by the Art Directors Club of Washington.
In March 2015-Feburary 2016, the portrait of Marian Anderson was exhibited at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, Washington DC. and was also exhibited at the Society of Illustrators 48th Annual Exhibition in New York City.
Teaching
Albert taught concept art at Durham College and currently teaches at his own classical drawing & painting atelier.
Slark Atelier: https://sites.google.com/view/slarkatelier/home
He also teaches workshops..
His hobbies include drawing/painting from life. He loves to read about art, good fiction, science fiction, and comparative religion/philosophy. He really enjoys listening to music and playing drums to
Canada’s prog rock band Rush.
Memberships:
The Portrait Society of Canada, The Portrait Society of America,
Art Guild of Scarborough and Oshawa Art Association.
My Studio
After countless hours behind the easel—blood, sweat, and tears—this is where it all comes together. My greatest joy is delivering a finished portrait that’s approved, cherished, and leaves a client truly happy.