Raymond Ewing, local artist
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone, the light remains.” Raymond Ewing embodied such a person, so fitting for a fine artist who lived to capture the intricacies of light on canvas. Ray Ewing, prolific artist, gentleman, and teacher, died at home in Lewes Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, after a brief illness, with his wife of 55 years, Rosemary Ewing, by his side. Ray was born in Frostburg, Md., March 31, 1943, to George and Gladys Ewing. His survivors include daughters, Amy Ewing and Erin Pennington; grandchildren, Megan Pianalto, Nathan Pianalto, Molly Pennington and Emma Pennington; siblings, Bill Ewing (Eleanor), Ken Ewing (Eileen) and Ginger Smith; brother-in-law, Tom O’Rourke (Robyn); and many nieces and nephews, friends, colleagues and former students.
Growing up in the scenic mountains of western Maryland may have inspired Ray to pursue a career in art after attending Frostburg State University. Ray mentored many students in Prince George's County, Md., where he taught for 30 years, also serving as department chair, yearbook advisor, and tennis coach. He later became a revered art instructor and held watercolor classes at the nationally recognized Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Va. Ray was a highly respected juror and for years was a guest lecturer in the Washington, D.C. area.
Throughout his career, Ray was featured in solo and group shows throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England areas. He participated in the Department of State Art in Embassies program and his work is included in private and corporate collections in the U.S. and abroad. Ray was a member of the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association, Maryland Pastel Society, Baltimore Watercolor Society and Delaware Watercolor Society. He was juried into prestigious events along the East Coast and garnered many awards over his long career.
The Ewings called southern Maryland their home for 24 years and enjoyed many lasting friendships along with golf, boating and family time on the lower Potomac River while living in the community of Swan Point. Family vacations always included beach time with his “favorite four” grandkids, as well as their special Minute To Win It competitions.
Ray and Rosemary moved to Lewes five years ago, where Ray became a fixture in the local art community. Since January 2020, Ray has been an active member of Gallery One in Ocean View. Ray embodied the soul of an artist. He painted every day and never stopped learning and experimenting with new techniques. He was constantly inspired by new landscapes and could find beauty in the most mundane views, capturing those fleeting moments in time when light and color, and atmosphere were just right.
All who had the good fortune of knowing Raymond Ewing will miss his profound creativity, kindness, sense of humor, and zest for life.
Memorial donations may be made to friendsofcapehenlopen.org.
Arrangements will be announced at a later date.
