Background
Ray Strong was born in Corvallis, Oregon, the youngest of three brothers. Though trained in law, his father ran the family saw mill.
Ray Strong was born in Corvallis, Oregon, the youngest of three brothers. Though trained in law, his father ran the family saw mill.
Strong was educated at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco and the Art Students League of New New York He later founded the San Francisco Art Students League (a cooperative space featuring an art gallery, art classes, and art supply store) and participated in the Progress Administration during the 1930s. He wanted to travel to Spain to fight in the Spanish Civil War but was persuaded by his friend Ansel Adams to remain in the United States and paint.
He associated with the Depression-era muralists in the San Francisco Bay Area. Because of illness Ray was home schooled for two years, during which time he became intrigued by painting and drawing. To mark his 100th birthday a tribute was made to Ray Strong in the United States. House of Representatives by Lois Capps, describing him as "a talented artist, generous teacher and role model to many." Strong continued to paint in his studio, close to the entrance to Sequoia National Park, until shortly before he died, age 101 on July 3, 2006.