THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 8, 1995 TAG: 9510060204
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
Ralph W. Cowan, a Portsmouth-born artist known for his portraits of the rich and famous, will speak at noon Tuesday at the Commodore Theater.
Cowan is the first speaker in the third annual Tuesday Forum series.
Designated a ``Portsmouth Notable'' by the city and a ``Virginia Hero'' by Gov. Douglas Wilder, Cowan has painted many heads of state around the world as well as four U.S. presidents.
Cowan's portrait of Elvis Presley hangs at Graceland, and his portraits of Johnny Mathis have appeared on the singer's hit album covers. Among the beautiful women painted by Cowan are Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner.
A resident of West Palm Beach, Fla., his home has been featured on the television show, ``Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.''
The Tuesday Forum is free and open to the public. Members of the audience can either bring lunch or order from the Commodore's regular menu. Beverages will be provided by the forum committee, headed by Louis Brenner. by CNB