Jay Hester (American, b. 1940) oil on canvas painting depicting a Native American hunter before a polar bear. Signed lower right and housed in a molded wood frame. Stretcher: 24 in. H x 30 in. W. Frame: 29 in. H x 36 in. W. Biography: Jay Hester was born in Louisville, KY and grew up in Birmingham. After graduating from Samford University, Jay studied at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He worked as an illustrator for Lockheed Aircraft before deciding to pursue a full time art career. Lured by the appeal of Native American culture and the Southwest, he moved to Santa Fe in 1980. He studied with Howard Terpning and undertook research trips to enable him to authentically depict his subjects. Hester finally settled in Texas, where he produced commissioned paintings for Texas Tech University and Methodist Hospital in Lubbock, the Zaragosa Theater at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, USAA in San Antonio, as well as many other public collections. His work has also earned honors and awards at several national juried exhibitions. 

The painting exhibits several watery splatter stains throughout, although these may be part of the artist's technique. Some minor abrasions to frame. 

Private Nashville collection.