Ralph Ray Jr. (American, NC, 1920-1952) watercolor depicting a turkey in a natural setting. Signed and dated 1947 lower right. Housed in a contemporary wooden frame. Sight – 11 1/4" H x 15 1/4" W. Framed – 20 1/4" H x 24" W. A biography of the artist, "The Life and Art of Ralph Ray, Jr." by Tompkins and Beagle accompanies this lot. Biography (Courtesy of Donald Beagle, Belmont Abbey College Library & NC History Project): Ralph Ray Jr., a portrait and landscape artist and nationally known illustrator of books and magazines, was born in Gastonia, North Carolina in 1920 and graduated from Belmont Abbey College near Charlotte in 1939. Ray studied at the Ringling Art School in Sarasota, Florida and at the Grand Central Art School in New York. He is best remembered for his watercolor paintings of birds. In New York, Ray began illustrating children"s books and published The Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Ways (Oxford University Press, 1946), and Philips Electronics and the Insurance Institute of America hired Ray to illustrate their national advertising campaigns. CONDITION: Light toning, minor foxing spots, not examined out of frame..