A former engineer, turned full time artist, he is primarily known for marine pictures.  Bartok is  a protege of the late master marine artist, Wm. C. Ehrig.  He studied art briefly at the Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, Connecticut.
 
Awards:
The Richard Mitton Memorial Award for marine painting voted third most popular in the Jordan Marsh 41st Annual Exhibition of Paintings by contemporary New England Artists
The Ralph Metzner Award for the marine painting voted most popular in the Ogunquit Art Center 50th Annual National Exhibition
Honorable Mention-A.A.P.L. 1971 Grand National Exhibition
 
Exhibited:
 A.A.P.L. Grand National Exhibitions, N.Y.C.
Mainstream 71, Marietta, Ohio
H.V.A.A. Annual Exhibitions, Westchester County Center
Academic Artists Assoc. national Exhibitions, Springfield Museum, Mass
Jordan Marsh Annual Exhibitions, Boston
Ogunquit Art Center, National Exhibitions
Farnsworth Museum, Rockland, Maine
 
Member:
American Artist Professional League (member National Board of Directors)
Salmagundi Club
Copley Society of Boston
Hudson Valley Art Assoc.
North Shore Arts Assoc.
York Art Assoc.
Kennebunk Brick Store Museum

In the seventies the artist maintained studio galleries in Ogunquit, Maine as well as Scottsdale, Arizona.

Sources:
Flyer for gallery exhibition "Paintings of the Sea" by John A. Bartok (Ogunquit, Maine).
Information courtesy of Ted Nelson

Added Note:

John A. Bartok passed away on February 10, 2002 at his home in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Source: Obituaries. York County Coast Star (February 28, 2002)