Ralph Acosta of Stonington died March 24 at the age of 80.
He was a native-born New Yorker who grew up in the Bronx. Most of his adult life he lived in Queens until he and his wife Dolores moved to Stonington in 2005.
Ralph had a successful career as a fine artist for over 50 years. Primarily self-taught, he began working in oils but quickly developed a passion for watercolors which remained with him his whole life. He enjoyed the challenge of watercolors and loved the freedom, transparency and
spontaneity of the medium. He described his style and technique as ‘Wet & Wild’.
His other passion was teaching and he enjoyed passing his love of watercolors to others. He taught at the National Art League in Douglaston NY for 18 years, gave demos and workshops throughout the
northeast and Puerto Rico.
After moving to Stonington he built his ‘dream studio’, Stone Eagle Studio where he continued to paint and teach. His work was represented in galleries in NY and New England including the Maritime Gallery in Mystic Seaport. He was a member of many national and regional art organizations including CT and RI Watercolor Societies, Lyme Art Assn, Hudson Valley Art Assn and the Salmagundi Club in NYC. His paintings have received countless awards.
Aside from art, Ralph and his wife were great hosts who enjoyed dancing and entertaining friends and family at their home.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 45 years Dolores, as well as his brother John, sister Norma, brothers & sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews along with many loving friends whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at a later date.
Donations in Ralph’s memory can be sent to the National Art League as well as Sails Up 4 Cancer.