A "Classic-Traditional" painter, Mrs. Lotan preferred to work in water color, though occasionally in oil. She worked her way through college at Indiana State Teachers College by doing commercial work. She studied art in the studio of Frederick Mizen, Chicago, and with Phil Schroeder of the Chicago Art Institute. Ruth Lotan was a member of the Illinois Art Association and her work was exhibited in their Chicago exhibitions, and was represented by the Allen Art Gallery.