Monday, March 7, 2011

Ellen's Teddy Bear

As a child living in Hamburg, Germany, Ellen received an antique teddy bear from a neighbor. Her mother dressed him up with a homemade sweater and pants with suspenders. Teddy stayed close to Ellen through the war years and travelled with her on the boat to America. More than a toy, he has had a place of honor in the Topelmann household ever since.
Karsten decided to pay homage to Teddy by painting this warm and colorful portrait in oil.  Here Teddy poses with the Topelmann's cherished collection of German children's storybooks. Notice that Teddy is proudly pointing to a page featuring his own portait. Incidentally, the artist's signature is cleverly incorporated in the painting on the spine of the red book. Translated, it says: painted by Karsten Topelmann. 16 " x 20"

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Swimming away


Karsten painted these young geese as they paddled across the Tauber River in Detwang, Germany.
Looks like the young ones actually believe they can escape the watchful eyes of their parents. But they'll learn. Notice how the old stone bridge's reflection seems to dance in the sparkling waters on this sunny day.
20" x 24"  Oil

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Historic Anderson Dock in Winter

In this oil painting Karsten catches the morning sun as it lights up Ephraim's popular Anderson Dock on Eagle Harbor. You can see Peninsula State Park's Eagle Bluff and Horseshoe Island in the misty distance.  30" x 20".$1,800.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

City, Gate and Church


Inside the village gate, the town is bustling with all sorts of fun activities. Ellen's charming acrylic painting captures all the excitement. There's even a sleepy rowboat waiting patiently for the arrival of Spring.
20" x 24". $3,600.