Lot 965: 6 Large George Cress Drawings Incl. Abstract, Portraits, and Landscapes

Group of six (6) large drawings by George Cress (American/Tennessee, 1921-2008). Item 1: Abstract drawing on heavy wove paper in orange colored pencil applied in vertical lines of varying values, 1976. Signed and dated lower right. 21 3/4" H x 27" W. Items 2-3: Two (2) bust-length portrait drawings on heavy wove paper, one of a man with mustache and curly hair who smiles slightly and one of a man with a somber expression. 29" H x 23' W and 21" H x 21 1/2" W. Item 4: Figural drawing of heavy wove paper of a nude, seated man in an indistinct setting, possibly an interior. 29" H x 22" W. Items 5-6: Two graphite landscape drawings on sketchbook paper. Both approx. 18" H x 24" W. Biographical note: "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. He sat on the board of the Hunter Museum of Art. 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).

PROVENANCE: Deaccessioned by the Hunter Museum of American Art.

CONDITION: All items with slight waviness to sheets and museum accession numbers in pencil en verso. 1st item with faint purple smudging primarily to left margin. 2nd-3rd items with faint toning to edges. Portait of man with mustahce with minor accretions and handling wear, primarily to edges and outside of image. 4th item with minor accrection to torso of figure. 5th-6th items with minor creasing and handling wear.