Emmitt Thames (American/Mississippi, b. 1933) watercolor landscape depicting a barren tree in the foreground with house and barn in the background. Titled and dated en verso "The Last Tree is Dead, 1976". Signed lower right. 22-1/2" x 30", unframed. Biography (courtesy Askart: The Artists' Bluebook): Southern Realist painter Emmitt Thames is essentially a self-taught artist. He experimented with art while growing up in Depression-era Mississippi; in the military, he illustrated training manuals. His later work, which has been represented by galleries in locations ranging from New Orleans to Chicago, focuses on images from everyday life and shows the influence of his idol Andrew Wyteh. Condition: Allover light toning and a few minute inclusions in the center sky area.