Al (Alvin Lee) Allen (American/Arkansas,1925-2008) watercolor and casein on paper painting titled "Morning (San Francisco)" depicting an abstract industrial scene with architecture in the background. Signed "A. L. Allen" lower right. Exhibition label for the Arkansas Art Center's "Stillness & Light, Al Allen Painting Retrospective 1950-1994" in Summer, 1995 with artist, title, and dated "1958" en verso. Housed and triple matted under glass in a contemporary wood frame. Sight: 16 1/2" H x 22" W. Framed: 27" H x 32 1/2" W. Biography: Alvin (Al) Lee Allen Jr. was raised in Memphis; after graduation from Central High School in 1944, he served in the Navy during World War II, using his artistic skills in the top-secret Terrain Model Workshop. In 1946, Allen enrolled in Louisiana State University (LSU). Among his teachers were O. Louis Guglielmi and Ralston Crawford. Completing his undergraduate studies in 1950, Allen returned to Memphis to teach at Treadwell High School. Meanwhile, he pursued an MA degree at LSU. The next year, he joined the faculty of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. In 1968, Allen was invited to chair and develop the art department at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. In 1985, he was given the title of Professor and University Artist-in-Residence. Allen's works are in a number of collections belonging to museums, colleges and universities, and private individuals, including the Arkansas Arts Center, the High Museum (Atlanta), and the Joslin Art Museum (Omaha). UALR has several works in its permanent collection. Both former U.S. senators Dale Bumpers and David Pryor displayed Allen's works in their Washington DC offices, and during Bill Clinton's presidency, two of Allen's works were hung in the White House. (Source: Encyclopedia of Arkansas). Note: the first annual Mid-South Exhibition was held at the Brooks in 1956, a tradition that continued for the next 17 years and included purchase prizes to help bring regional art into the collection. Jurors included artists such as Will Barnet and Jack Levine as well as museum directors from institutions such as Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and The Walker Art Center

Estate of Mr. Fred Harris, Nashville, Tennessee. Slight waviness to paper and toning to the perimeter. Frame with wear.