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Detail
Signature
Gary Ray (b. 1952)
“Central California”
Date unknown
Oil on canvas
24” H x 30” W (image size)
30” H x 36” W (frame size)
Signed lower right: Gary Ray
Estimated value: $4,750 - $6,250
Additional Information
Gary Ray’s “Central California” is one of the most beautiful pieces the Santa Paula Art Museum has ever offered up for auction. It is a quintessential California scene brimming with poppies, lupine, and oak trees. The entire canvas is awash in that distinctive California light that has been luring painters to Central and Southern California for well over a century. Ray (born 1952) names California artists Edgar Payne (1883-1947) and Hanson Puthuff (1875-1972) as some of his greatest artistic influences, but this particular painting reminds us of the work of another historic California artist, John Marshall Gamble (1863-1957). Gamble spent most of his life painting in the vicinity of his home in Santa Barbara, California, including the city of Santa Paula. In fact, Gamble’s “Poppies and Lupine near Santa Paula” (pictured below) sold at auction in late 2022 for $35,750.
“Poppies and Lupine near Santa Paula” by John Marshall Gamble, Date unknown, Oil on canvas, 18” x 24”, Private Collection.
Artist Biography
Gary Ray was born in Venice, California in 1952. He is a 4th generation Californian. Primarily self-taught, Ray paints plein air images of Southern and Central California coastal regions and inland areas. Being a working, traveling drummer since the age of 18, he has had the opportunity to tour the great cities and museums of Europe. This exposure has had an influence on his artistic outlook.
Ray is also heavily involved in Arts and Crafts collecting, and restoration of various Arts and Crafts items. Ray has exhibited widely in Southern and Central California.
Auction Information
The 13th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser
Saturday, August 19, 2023
The silent auction starts at 3:00 PM.
The live auction starts at 4:00 PM.
Auction admission: $15.00 SPAM members, $20.00 Non-members
All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization #2478728.
All major credit cards, check, and cash are accepted.
Sales tax will be applied to all hammer prices. There is no buyer’s premium.