Ralph W. Lermond was born in Boise, Idaho in 1910. He later moved to Whitinsville, Massachusetts where he eventually began his studies at the Museum School of Fine Art in Boston. During his studies, Lermond also taught drawing and painting at the Phillips Exeter Academy. The Museum School awarded him a two-year traveling scholarship for art study in Europe. Upon his return to the United States, he was drafted and served three and a half years in World War II in the Pacific Theater as a Staff Sergeant, Master Gunner, in the 158th Anti-Aircraft Artillery of the United States Army. Lermond was involved in the Works Progress Administration art project in Richmond, Virginia, drawing people of Virginia for a book on the state. In his later years, he worked as an Art Director at various advertising agencies in New York City. He retired when he was 78 and took the time to study at the Art Students League. Lermond passed away in 2002 at the age of 91.