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 beautifully rendered watercolor is in the signature style of California artist Percy Gray. Shown here is a view of the special Aetna Springs in California. A rustic fence dances along the tawny grass until it reaches the tufts of California oaks. The work measures 12.5 x 16.5 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. He is best remembered for his classic landscapes with massive oaks and towering eucalypti.

Percy Gray died in 1951 as a member of the Bohemian Club.