This artwork titled "Nude Reading" c.1970, is a watercolor on paper by noted California artist William Jack Laycox, 1921-1984. It is signed at he lower right corner by the artist. The artwork size is 19 x 14.5 inches, framed size is 29 x 25 inches. It is custom framed in a grey frame, with off-white color matting. The artwork is in excellent condition, the frame have one minor scratch and two very small dents. About the artist: Jack Laycox (1921-1985) was born and grew up in Auburn, California. The eldest of 4 children, all of whom were artistically talented, it was Jack who was the shining star, constantly drawing, filling every available piece or section of paper that was available. After earning an engineering degree from San Francisco State University, which provided the opportunity to travel throughout the United States to work on various assignments, he eventually returned to his love of the Fine Arts, specifically plein-air painting. With encouragement from his wife, sculptor Jayne Amason, he made the break from his career to become a full time artist. The first Laycox Gallery was opened in Walnut Creek, California. He become known locally and throughout northern California, as well as being represented by Royce Gallery in Los Angeles and other galleries in the U.S. Jack and Jayne had been spending time in the Monterey area, which they loved dearly, so they moved there permanently and opened up a new Laycox Gallery in Carmel. His work became increasingly popular, being sought after for both private and corporate collections. In the 1970’s he was commissioned by Delta Airlines to do all the paintings for their travel-destination posters. He also authored a Walter Foster Art book, Dramatic Paintings from Familiar Scenes. Destinations explored during Jack and Jayne’s extensive U.S and international travel led to paintings that were uniquely and colorfully captured in Jack’s works. It is, however, in his paintings of springtime wooded streams, winter’s bold snow-covered rock formations, or a Gold Rush era brick façade, that reflect his youth spent in Placer and Sierra Counties of California. The work of Jack Laycox is held in California and worldwide collections.