Don Louis Perceval

Born in Woodford (now in London, then in Essex), His family's relocation to Hollywood, California in 1920 He studied art at the Pasadena Military Academy and later the Chouinard Art Institute (California Institute of the Arts), learning under renowned artists Nelbert Chouinard and F.T. Chamberlain. By age 19, Perceval had already earned his first commission as an illustrator (Harry James, The Treasure of the Hopitu). After the war, Perceval returned to California, where he accepted teaching positions with the Chouinard Art Institute, the Trailfinder School for Boys and Pomona College. == Career ==

While working as a teacher, Perceval continued with his commercial illustrating work, creating a prized and memorable series of travel posters extolling the virtues of the Southwest for the Santa Fe Railway. Perceval's passion for the Southwest led him to live with the Hopi in 1952 and in Tucson, Arizona from 1954 to 1959. Perceval's ongoing commitment to historical accuracy further enhanced his reputation as a sought-after illustrator. "To be of value," he wrote, "illustrations must be historically accurate; otherwise periods tend to merge into a conglomerate mass, thereby defeating the entire purpose of history teaching." Perceval illustrated numerous books including Charles Loomis' General Crook and the Apache Wars (1966), Leo Carrillo's The California I Love (1962) and his own A Navajo Sketchbook (1962). Perceval also wrote extensively about cattle and horse brands, viewing brands as a unique art form and tracing their origins back to ancient times. In total, Perceval illustrated more than 50 books featuring his beloved Western themes. Later in his career, Perceval was an active member of the Los Angeles Corral of Westerners where, after joining in 1947, he shared his expertise in Western history and illustration. == Later life, death and legacy ==

Perceval spent the last 20 years of his life in Santa Barbara, California. He also spent time in his later years visiting Tucson and indulging his love for the Southwest. Don Louis Perceval died in 1979, survived by his wife Edith and daughter Donna. == References ==