Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Ron had an avid interest in aviation while growing up. He also maintained a lifetime fascination with art works by N.C. Wyeth and Maxfield Parrish, loving their illustrations of the Robert Louis Stevenson Classics. He studied at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, specializing in Illustration and Design.
An airline pilot for thirty-two years, Ron retired from American Airlines in December of 2000. During his travels Ron learned invaluable lessons from masterworks he studied in some of the world's finest art museums. After retiring from flying, his painting began a focus on aviation art and has recently published an autobiography/memoir. His book "Surviving the Cuckoo's Nest" was a finalist, in two categories, in the 2022 American Writers Awards.
Ron maintains affiliations with several national art organizations: a lifetime Artist Member of the "American Society of Aviation Artists" and former signature member of both the "Pastel Society of America" and the "Northwest Pastel Society," Ron's work has won numerous national awards.
Writing creative non-fiction is a new venture and began with his blog of childhood memories, written to acknowledge the many people in his life who made a difference. Becoming an Airline Pilot, a lifelong dream, and an Aviation Artist is known to be an unlikely combination.
Ron's works can be found in collections throughout the United States, Canada and Western Europe. A permanent collection of his aviation art resides in the Yankee Air Museum located on the Willow Run Airport(KYIP) near Detroit.
Ron currently lives in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
When did you start writing and why?
By normal standards I began fairly recently. Serious writing started a few years ago with a blog shortly after I found a family photo album dating back to the 1940’s. Most of those family members are gone now but I was surprised at how vivid my recollections were of the photos I discovered. I always felt I owned a photographic memory which presented itself when I was actively involved in the art world. My painting process involved visualizing what the end result should look like; which didn’t involve much in the way of experimentation. I was able to re-create the image from my minds eye. What was a surprise to me was how I was able to create a story out of my memory of the pictures I discovered. I found I could re-create and tell the story of the image or better; I learned how to show the story and not tell it. I even remembered the smells and I had to learn what writing creative non-fiction was all about. I am still on the journey.
Who are your favorite authors?
There are and have been many. Beginning with Ernest K Gann’s writing about aviation. His book “Fate is the Hunter” was responsible for my pursuing a career in aviation. He once said “God bless the man who knows when he’s said enough and isn’t tempted to say more.” He also wrote “The High and the Mighty” which became a famous movie starring John Wayne. The author Jim Harrison is another favorite. I have read most of his works and would love to read them again. We seem to have an affinity for living in the same places. I was born and grew up in Michigan as was he; I lived in Montana as did he. “Legends of the Fall” has to be one of my favorites of his work's. Jim is prolific when it comes to the grit of life.
How do you approach Cover design?
I do it myself.
