About the artist:

Born in Edmonton, Canada on April 28, 1914. Franks studied in Paris at Académie Julian and Grande Chaumiére. He painted portraits and scenery for Vancouver theaters before settling in Los Angeles about 1936. There he further studied with Fechin, Chamberlin, Will Foster, at Chouinard's and the Art Center while doing titles and designing for the movie industry. He taught art at Los Angeles City Parks & Recreation (1949), Los Angeles Businessmens Art Club (1955-56), and Laguna Beach Art & Design School (1962-65). Franks died in Laguna Beach, CA on Nov. 11, 1970. His work includes portraits and still lifes. He was the author of several "How to Paint" books. Exh: CPLH, 1947; Arizona State Fair, 1947 (2nd prize); Painters & Sculptors of LA, 1947, 1948 (1st prize); Glendale Public Library, 1954; Calif. Art Club, 1951-64; Calif. State Fair, 1958 (award); Friday Morning Club (LA), 1959 (1st prize); Laguna Beach AA, 1960 (1st prize), 1962 (2nd prize); Ebell Club (LA), 1964 (2nd prize). He exhibited widely including the Palm Desert Art Center in Palm Springs, California and wrote several books: How to Do Still Life in 1952; Clowns and Characters in 1960; and Leon Franks on Techniques, 1964.