George Howell Gay (American, 1858 – 1931)
Medium:  Oil on Canvas        Size:  16” x 26”
 
This oil on canvas by George Howell Gay of possibly Cape Elizabeth Maine shoreline depicts the rugged cliffs and jagged shoreline with sailing ships off in the distance, gulls floating on air above the thundering surf against the rocky shores.  
George Howell Gay was well known for his watercolor landscapes and seascapes throughout the New England area. Gay also painted snowy landscapes, but these are scarcer. What makes this oil painting special is that it is very unusual to find an oil painting by this artist, as he worked mainly in watercolor. Many of Gay’s works display a tonalist aesthetic, using minimal palette, characterized by warm hues of brown, soft greens, gauzy yellows and muted grays.
 
He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 2, 1858, and moved to Chicago, Illinois to study art at the Academy of Design. under Paul Brown and Henry Elkins. 
In 1889, Gay moved east and settled in Bronxville, New York.  He is known to have exhibited at the National Academy of Design in 1890; Boston Art Club, 1890-1900; and Boston Art Club, 1897.
 
George Howell Gay died at the age of 72 on Friday May 8th 1931.  He was cremated and his funeral services were held in his home at 100 Kraft Ave., Bronxville, NY.