Ben Abril was a Los Angeles-based artist who painted romantic views of California’s landscapes, landmarks, and historic towns. Seeking to capture the state’s beauty directly, Abril worked alla prima, applying wet paint over wet paint with quick brushwork, often in a single outdoor session. After serving in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, Abril worked night shifts at the post office while studying painting during the day. He was later employed for twenty years as a cartographer and architectural draftsman for the County of Los Angeles
