We’re saddened to report the passing of Lamb Everett Ray Kinstler. Ray was a member of The Lambs, The Players and the National Arts Club, where he had his studio. Many of his works are on display at The Players, and The Lambs has two shepherd portraits by Ray. Ray was best known for his unique and special talent of a portrait artist. He has painted 5 U.S. Presidents and has over 100 works in the National Portrait Gallery in Washing D.C…..but for some we best remember Ray for his warmth and dry quick wit.
I recall first getting to know Ray during the unveiling of Shepherd A.J. Pocock’s portrait. I was a member of The Lambs’ Council. At one point Ray sat next to me and we joked around for a few moments. Then he got very serious and he said, “So when will I paint your portrait?” It took 20 years but he did. My time sitting with Ray was memorable. He didn’t paint ‘live’ – we just sat and talked about art, painting, Vienna, all while he’d randomly take photos of me. It was the joke jousting that I’ll always think of when remembering those times. While I am sad to hear of his passing, I am greatly honored to know this fellow Lamb for 20 years.
— Marc Baron, Shepherd
