Ruth Ray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth Ray
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| Born | November 8, 1919 |
| Died | December 18, 1977 (aged 58) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Art Students League of New York |
| Known for | painting |
| Movement | Magic Realism |
Ruth Ray (1919–1977) was an American painter. She was known for her unique style called Magic Realism. Ruth loved horses and farm life in New England. These things often inspired her beautiful artwork. She studied art at places like the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Art Students League of New York.
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About Ruth Ray
Ruth Ray was born in 1919 in New York City. Her mother was a very interesting person. She was an early supporter of women's rights. She also worked as an editor for Vogue and wrote many helpful books.
Her Early Life and Training
Ruth went to several colleges, including Swarthmore College and Barnard College. She also studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Art Students League of New York. In 1948, Ruth got married. She then made her home in Darien, Connecticut.
Ruth had a successful job as a commercial artist. She also painted portraits of people. One famous person she painted was the golfer Sam Snead. But her biggest passion was painting in her own special Magic Realism style. She loved painting horses, farm scenes from New England, and the beautiful coast of Maine.
Her Amazing Artworks
Ruth Ray's art mixed everyday things with a touch of fantasy. It was like seeing something normal, but with a magical twist. One art critic, Frederic Whitaker, said her art was like "rational surrealism." He meant it was like the dream-like art of Dalí, but without the strange or shocking parts.
Where to See Her Art
You can find Ruth Ray's paintings in several museums. These include the National Art Museum of Sport and the Sheldon Museum of Art. Her painting "Swordsplay" (from 1962) was even used in a book about horses.
In a special art show in 2012-2013, Ruth's "Self-Portrait" (1962) was chosen. It was part of an exhibit featuring self-portraits by many talented female artists. This show was at the National Academy Museum.
Awards and Recognition
Ruth Ray won many awards for her art. In 1944, she received the Alger Prize for her painting "Portrait of a Young Actor." She also won the American Artist Magazine Medal of Honor in 1956. A Canadian poet named Diana Hayes even wrote a poem about Ruth Ray. It was called "Awakening."
