Born in London, Ralph Freeman studied at St Martin's and Harrow Schools of Art 1961-1965.
He worked as an artist, graphic designer and musician in London and Europe until 1983, whereafter he has painted exclusively. He also continues to compose and perform as a jazz pianist, in 1998 founding St Ives Jazz Club.
Moving to St Ives in 1988, he was elected a member of the Newlyn and the Penwith Societies of Artists and awarded a Porthmeor Studios Arts Council tenancy.
Work from this period was featured in a solo show at Tate St Ives.
In 2012 he relocated and now works from his London studio.
His work has been exhibited in the UK, Germany, Italy, Holland and USA.