Ronnie Lee Van Sweringen

? Ronnie Lee Van Sweringen was born September 26, 1936 in Hampton, VA. His love for painting began early in his life when he received his first set of oil paints for Christmas when he was 9 years old---he was hooked! A self-taught artist, he often described himself as “slightly eccentric”. He was an internationally recognized painter and the originator of “ASTROISM” (an original form of abstract expressionism). His paintings/exhibitions have hung in prestigious venues such as the Corcoran Museum of Art, Washington, DC; the Mennello Museum of Art, Orlando, FL; and in the White House during the Reagan and Busch administrations. (Mrs. Reagan saw Ronnie’s paintings displayed in a gallery in Georgetown and purchased two that hung in the private quarters of the White House while President Reagan was in office). Ronnie was born with a talent that many of us wish we had—a keen sense of art. He could spot a valuable piece of art a mile away…he had the “eye” and enjoyed collecting artwork in his travels all over the world. He also had an internal talent that this world could use more of … “helping others."  Ronnie was very generous and giving; especially to those less fortunate or in need. Ronnie spent the majority of his life in the Washington, DC area where he perfected his artistic talents and learned others. He enjoyed the Washington DC lifestyle and had many friends. In 2007 he sold his home in Old Town Alexandria, VA and moved to Florida where he enjoyed the warm Florida sunshine, the unique and artistic town of Vero Beach and met new friends. As Ronnie departs this earth and joins his loved ones in heaven (including his four-legged ones (“Punkin”)) he leaves behind many close friends who will miss him dearly.