Meadowlark Gallery: The Artist Biographies

Ralph Love
(1907-1992)
Ralph Love was born in Los Angeles, California in 1907 and died in 1992. One of nine children, he had an independent spirit at an early age. As a boy, he painted posters, riding his bicycle to pick up and deliver orders. His education included two years studying with the artist Sam Hyde Harris, two years of life study at night classes, and two years of Bible College. During the Depression, he painted signs and posters, did lettering, "or anything that would bring in income. Paintings were traded for dental work, a new washing machine, and medical attention." At the same time, he was an ordained minister. In 1940, Love began teaching art while a pastor in Yucaipa, California. His paintings won prizes commencing in 1945, and in 1947, he started traveling the Western states as an evangelist while continuing to paint. In 1958, he built a home and art gallery in Temecula where he also taught, lectured, and illustrated. By 1968, when he stopped competing, he had won twenty eight awards. Love was a member of the Society of Western Artists.
View high resolution images of works by Ralph Love when available.