Ray “Papa Ray” Rolston passed away on April 30, 2019, at his home in his beloved Key West, Florida. He was born in British Guyana on Sept. 29, 1947, to Dolly Kirton and Lancelot Rolston.
Growing up amid dense rainforest with an infinite tropical climate, trade winds and bright sunsets inspired him to be a naturalist. At an early age, he started painting the landscapes surrounding his hometown. The many waterfalls and rivers of the region became the subject of his works of art as a young adult. After migrating to the United States and spending more than two decades in New York City, he relocated to the Florida Keys. Ray called Key West his home for more than 20 years. The lush tropical scenery, colorful conch houses, landmark buildings and magnificent sunsets became his inspiration for Key West Colors. His signature artwork, which consists of vibrant hues coupled with breathtaking views, earned him the title of one of the premier artists of Key West.
Ray enjoyed traveling all around the world, painting, and taking photographs. He relished in the many trips to the Amazon region and the coral reefs of the Caribbean where he found unbridled inspiration for painting coral scenes and seascapes.
His coffee table book titled “The Art of Ray Rolston,” co-published by Vassi Cheragava, became a fan favorite. His vast body of artwork includes commissioned paintings, abstracts, portraits, and tributes to some of his favorite musicians. For the past 20 years, he has been a premier artist at the world-renowned Sunset Celebration at Mallory Pier.