George Ayers Cress (Tennessee, 1921-2008) oil on canvas painting depicting a nighttime scene of a house elevated on wood pilings over a body of water and illuminated by a tall lamppost. Signed and dated "George Cress 1941" lower right. Housed in a tan painted wooden frame. Sight: 15 1/2" H x 24 1/2" W. Framed: 20" H x 42 1/4" W. Biography: 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. From 1951-1984 he was painter in residence at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. The Cress Gallery of Art at UTC is named in his honor.(Source: The Tennessee Historical Quarterly Vol. XLIV No. 2: "Landscape and Genre Painting in Tennessee 1810-1985").

CONDITION: Overall good condition with light craquelure. Two approximately 2" stretcher indentations, top center and right center (does not puncture canvas). One small area of abrasion above signature, approximately 1/4" (does not puncture canvas). Frame with areas of loss, largest 4", to paint.