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Story
December 29, 1957
The Key West Citizen
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
What is this article about?
Ruth Ray exemplifies balancing artistic success with family life in Darien, Conn., raising three sons, painting daily, and fox hunting with husband Dr. John R. Graham, supported by her understanding partner.
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90%
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Full Text
Artist-"Mom" Leads Active Country Life
By DOROTHY ROE
Darien, Conn. AP) - Living proof that an artist need not be a hermit, starving in a dedicated garret, is Ruth Ray, who has managed to hit the top ranks of American artists while raising three small sons, running a big house in the country and riding to hounds twice weekly with her husband. Dr. John R. Graham
The Graham menage here includes three horses and assorted dogs and cats in addition to the lively young sons - Ian, 8, Willard Reid, 5, and Lyle 3.
"Sometimes it's a little hectic," says the tall, attractive Mrs. Graham. "But in spite of everything I paint from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - every day except Tuesdays and Saturdays, when my husband and I ride with our hunt club.
"On those days we get up about 4 a.m. and I cook up a batch of hot cereal for everybody. Then we saddle up the horses and are on the road by daybreak - the hunt is 20 miles away from our home."
Ruth Ray has been painting and riding most of her life. She paints everything - people, horses and landscapes, has had more than a dozen one-woman shows of her paintings, and is well known for her Christmas card work for the American Artists Group. One of her best-known paintings is a portrait of her husband's mother, and another is of her youngest son. But also prized by collectors are her paintings of horses and landscapes with a slightly surrealist flavor.
"I prefer to call my style romantic realism," says Ruth, "I don't think anybody is interested in my subconscious."
Before her marriage, Ruth taught for a while at the Art Students League - I had a horse to support"- and took her paint box abroad, to Europe, Egypt, Mexico and Guatemala. How does she manage such a full life?
"I couldn't do it without an understanding husband," says she.
By DOROTHY ROE
Darien, Conn. AP) - Living proof that an artist need not be a hermit, starving in a dedicated garret, is Ruth Ray, who has managed to hit the top ranks of American artists while raising three small sons, running a big house in the country and riding to hounds twice weekly with her husband. Dr. John R. Graham
The Graham menage here includes three horses and assorted dogs and cats in addition to the lively young sons - Ian, 8, Willard Reid, 5, and Lyle 3.
"Sometimes it's a little hectic," says the tall, attractive Mrs. Graham. "But in spite of everything I paint from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - every day except Tuesdays and Saturdays, when my husband and I ride with our hunt club.
"On those days we get up about 4 a.m. and I cook up a batch of hot cereal for everybody. Then we saddle up the horses and are on the road by daybreak - the hunt is 20 miles away from our home."
Ruth Ray has been painting and riding most of her life. She paints everything - people, horses and landscapes, has had more than a dozen one-woman shows of her paintings, and is well known for her Christmas card work for the American Artists Group. One of her best-known paintings is a portrait of her husband's mother, and another is of her youngest son. But also prized by collectors are her paintings of horses and landscapes with a slightly surrealist flavor.
"I prefer to call my style romantic realism," says Ruth, "I don't think anybody is interested in my subconscious."
Before her marriage, Ruth taught for a while at the Art Students League - I had a horse to support"- and took her paint box abroad, to Europe, Egypt, Mexico and Guatemala. How does she manage such a full life?
"I couldn't do it without an understanding husband," says she.
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Family
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Artist Mother
Country Life
Painting Career
Horse Riding
Family Balance
What entities or persons were involved?
Ruth Ray
Dr. John R. Graham
Ian
Willard Reid
Lyle
Where did it happen?
Darien, Conn.
Story Details
Key Persons
Ruth Ray
Dr. John R. Graham
Ian
Willard Reid
Lyle
Location
Darien, Conn.
Story Details
Ruth Ray, a successful artist, manages a thriving painting career while raising three young sons, maintaining a country home with horses and pets, and riding to hounds twice weekly with her husband Dr. John R. Graham. She paints daily, has held numerous one-woman shows, and is known for portraits, horse paintings, and landscapes in romantic realism style. Before marriage, she taught art and traveled extensively.