Leon Franks Oil Clown Portrait, Mid-20th Century

Item Details

Leon Franks (Canadian, 1914 — 1970)
Untitled (clown portrait)
Oil on canvasboard
Signed to the lower left
From the artist’s Ringling series

‘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.’

Source: Edan Hughes, Artists in California, 1786-1940
Who’s Who in American Art 1966

Condition

- scattered discolorations to painting and frame; abrasions to frame; dust accumulation.

Dimensions

- measures frame; sight measures 7.5" W x 9.5" H.

• Item not examined outside of mounting

Item #

ITMGK94755