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Percy Gray (American, 1869–1952)
LOT ID: 67122
Aetna Springs, CA III (from the Estate of Frances Marion), ie. circa 1930

Watercolor, on paper
16.5 х 19.9 in. cm.
Signed, "Percy Gray" lower left on recto.
Lot description
Academy Award–winning Frances Marion was one of the most respected and highest paid scriptwriters during the early days of Hollywood and became Gray’s benefactor in the 1930s.

This watercolor on paper signifies California artist Percy Gray's artistic legacy. The scene depicts Aetna Springs, California. Aetna Springs is located outside of Sacramento and is known for its beautiful countryside. Here Gray emphasizes his mastery by shading a quiet barn under the arms of a California oak. The bucolic scene exudes a sense of serenity while still delivering the prowess of Gray's brush. The work measures 16.5 x 19.9 inches and comes beautifully framed with the original gilt frame.

Percy Gray was born in San Francisco in 1869, to a family of artists. Gray studied at the San Francisco School of Design before leaving for New York, where he headed a magazine art department and studied at the Art Students League.

Gray returned to San Francisco in 1906 and worked for the "Examiner" newspaper while painting landscapes in his free time.

Gray was a master watercolorist who blossomed during his time in Monterey. He is best remembered for his classic landscapes with massive oaks and towering eucalypti. Gray moved to Marin County in 1939, and San Francisco in 1951.

He was a resident of the Bohemian Club upon his death in 1952.
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  • Percy Gray

    California wildflowers and rolling hills
    watercolor on paper
    (H 15.8, W 19.5) in.
    (40.0 x 49.5) cm.
    Sold for: US$33,550
    Tuesday, August 17, 2010
    Bonhams & Butterfields Los Angeles
    Lot 00013
  • Percy Gray

    Sunlit path through a eucalyptus grove
    watercolor on board
    (H 16, W 22) in.
    (40.6 x 55.9) cm.
    Sold for: US$23,180
    Tuesday, August 17, 2010
    Bonhams & Butterfields Los Angeles
    Lot 00014
  • Percy Gray

    Oaks in a field of poppies and lupine
    watercolor on paper
    (H 19.5, W 26.8) in.
    (49.5 x 67.9) cm.
    Sold for: US$24,885
    Sunday, May 16, 2010
    Clars Auction Gallery
    Lot 06365
  • Percy Gray

    View of Mount Tamalpais from the valley
    watercolor on paper
    (H 19.2, W 27.5) in.
    (48.9 x 69.8) cm.
    Sold for: US$20,145
    Sunday, May 16, 2010
    Clars Auction Gallery
    Lot 06366
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