George Ayers Cress (Alabama/Tennessee, 1921-2008) abstract oil on canvas still life painting titled "Peonies" depicting flowers rendered in colors of blue, green, purple, and pink. Signed and dated "1980" lower right corner. Housed in a wooden frame with off white linen liner. Sight - 31 3/4" H x 35 1/2" W. Framed - 34 3/4" H x 38 3/4" 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.