Born in Exeter, Devon, Atkins studied at the Bromley College of Arts both before and after National Service in the 1950s. His initial great influence was Frank Auerbach, in whose studio he worked whilst also doing postgraduate studies at the Slade. Embarking on a teaching career at Bournemouth College of Art, he moved on to Reading University Dept of Fine Art and then to the Epsom School of Art.

He came to Cornwall through a teaching post at Falmouth College of Art in 1974, continuing to exhibit in many mixed shows. At the Piers Morris Gallery in 1970 he gave his first one-man exhibition, and from that time this became his main format. In 1977 Ray showed paintings and drawing in a three-man show at NAG, with John HENDERSON and Robert MORLEY, and that same year he exhibited with the NSA to which he had been elected, in their travelling exhibition to Pont-Aven in Brittany. He was also selected for the celebratory exhibition, A Century of Art in Cornwall 1889-1989 to honour the centenary of Cornwall County Council. in London, Art Space Gallery represents his work, and his exhibitions of note are listed on his website.