‘Figures on Horseback’ by Ben Abril, Los Angeles County Museum, Laguna Beach California

Signed lower right, ‘Ben Abril’ (American, 1923-1995) and painted circa 1955.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Ben Abril is known for his equestrian paintings, primarily in watercolor. An active painter who also taught oil painting and belonged to art clubs in Laguna, Beverly Hills, San Gabriel, and Brea. His paintings are held in the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, and the U.S. Navy collection, and the King of Spain has one of the San Luis Rey Mission near Oceanside. When he visited Los Angeles, Pope John received a painting of Abril’s.

Abril studied at the School of Allied Arts, Glendale College, and the Los Angeles Art Center. From 1966 to 1977, he was Architectural Coordinator for Los Angeles County. While working for the County of Los Angeles at the Hall of Administration, Ben made time after work to render Bunker Hill scenes including Angels Flight, located two blocks away. He has also taught art at several community colleges.

Source:
Harold and Peggy Samuels, “Contemporary Western Artists”
Gordon McClelland and Jay Last, “California Watercolors, 1850-1970”