George Ayers Cress (Alabama/Tennessee, 1921-2008) abstract watercolor on paper titled "Maine Sunrise" depicting greenery and a rocky coastline, foreground, with crashing waves below an early morning sky, middle and background. Signed and dated "1995" lower right. Housed and double matted under glass in a wooden frame. Sight - 17 1/2" H x 23 1/2" W. Framed - 25 1/2" H x 31 1/8" W. Late 20th century. Biography (courtesy Tennessee Historical Quarterly Vol. XLIV No. 2: "Landscape and Genre Painting in Tennessee 1810-1985"): 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 he was painter in residence at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga; the Cress Gallery of Art at UTC is named in his honor. Provenance: The collection of Dr. William Kendall Striker, Chattanooga, TN.