George Ayers Cress (Alabama-Tennessee, 1921-2008) oil on board painting; abstract, Cubist-inspired landscape comprised of green, taupe, grey, yellow and black geometrics. Signed and dated "George Kress 1955" lower right. Chattanooga art shop label en verso notes the painting was varnished in 1964. 23" x 17" sight, 30" x 24" in weathered gray-painted wood frame. Biography (courtesy Askart and Landscape and Genre Painting in Tennessee 1810-1985: Tennessee Historical Quarterly Vo. XLIV No. 2 ): George Cress was born in Anniston, Alabama and studied at Emory University, American University, and the University of Georgia, where he studied under fellow Southern contemporary artist Lamar Dodd. He was a central figure in Chattanooga's arts community and served as President of the Tennessee Arts Council and sat on the board of the Hunter Museum of Art. From 1951-1984 was painter in residence at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga; the Cress Gallery of Art at UTC is named in his honor. Provenance: Private Chattanooga, Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Excellent condition.