Stanley Borack (American, 1927-1993)

Paintings

Who is painter Stanley Borack?

Stanley Borack was an oil painter whose western and pulp-inspired works were some of the most enduring paperback covers of the 1950s through the 1970s. A member of the society of illustrators, Borack’s pieces were done mainly from photographs and models. He painted for all the major publishers, Dell, Pocket Books, Perma Books, and the Lion Library. Additionally, he did work for a series of men’s and boy’s magazines which were popular at the time. Adventure Life, Adventure for Men, Man’s World, True Action, Male, and True War Stories. Later, he would return to the pulp covers that lent him his initial popularity, most notably a series of covers for publisher Avon Books.

Later in life, Borack would move on to fine art galleries, painting scenic western landscape portraits that were featured in places that may not normally have illustrators or commercial oil painters. His best known (and highest selling work) was his cover for The Dreamers, which was sold by Heritage Auctions. Always evocative and fun, a Borack work tells a story in a single image -- no matter the genre or setting.

What kind of art does Stanley Borack make?

Stanley Borack was an American oil painter who is best known for his pulp covers, his western paintings, and his series of magazine covers. His work was ubiquitous from the 1950s onward, and he remained steadily employed for over thirty years. His illustrations are beautifully rendered, taut, exciting pieces that tell a story in a single image. Later in life, Borack would move to fine art galleries as he continued to paint western paintings and landscapes. No matter the genre or medium, Borack’s work is instantly recognizable. It’s stylish, beautiful, and definitely a piece of 20th century American pop history.

How did painter Stanley Borack get started?

Stanley Borack was born on January 23rd, 1927 in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were both immigrants from Austria, his father a tailor who eeked out a living in a local shop. Borack attend public school, eventually making it to the LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. He graduated in 1945. He promptly joined the US Navy and was discharged in 1947. The GI Bill allowed him to take classes at the Art Students League of New York. It was there that he studied under some of the great illustrators like Frank Reilly, Robert Brackman, and Walter Buehr. He never graduated, but sometime in the 1950s began painting for a number of paperback publishers like Dell and Pocket Books. This was enough for Borack to enter the field of illustration full-time, a career he relished and worked tirelessly at for nearly four decades.

How much are Stanley Borack paintings worth?

Stanley Borack paintings can be worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over ten thousand dollars for major work. Best known for his illustrations, the most ever paid for a Stanley Borack paperback cover at auction is $11,355 for the piece The Dreamers, paperback cover (1955) which sold on October 22nd, 2011. It was sold by Heritage Auctions. In fact, Heritage has sold many of his highest priced pieces at our auctions, including later work like his oil on canvas The Challenge (date not given) which sold for $4,481.25 on July 15th, 2009.

Where to buy Stanley Borack paintings for sale?

See works for sale below. Why buy from Heritage? Art buyers feel confident because our experts know the market and put careful valuations on artwork for sale. We make the bidding process easier to help you expand your art collection.

How to value Stanley Borack paintings?

The best way to value art is to compare past auction prices for similar works. View past sale prices below. When you’re ready to sell, contact Heritage Auctions to request an auction estimate of the likely selling price at auction. If you need a formal written appraisal for estate planning or insurance, please contact our Appraisal Services department.