**Originally Listed At $800**

Carl Abken (American, b. 1958). Oil on canvas, ca. 2010 to 2018. Hand-signed by the artist on the lower left. A fabulous piece of Alaskana by artist Carl Abken, this painting features a mama bear standing amidst blasted tree trunks and protecting her two cubs in the rocky terrain of the foreground with majestic mountains in the distance and skies filled with wispy clouds above. All is delineated in Abken's impressionist style with a magical color palette of lavender, azure, violet, forest green, slate grey, golden ochre, and sienna hues. The composition is also complemented by a custom wooden frame with an attractive golden finish. Size of painting: 20" L x 23.875" W (50.8 cm x 60.6 cm) Size of frame: 26.875" L x 30.875" W (68.3 cm x 78.4 cm)

Born in Brooklyn, Carl Abken studied with Robert Shultz and Robert Beverly Hale at the Art Students League in New York (1976). Robert Hale was curator of American Painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Following this, Abken studied under Lewis DiNardo at the Salmagundi Club of New York (1979). After many years working at the Slide Center and Garraway Studios, Abken moved to Alaska in 2010 where he lived in Anchorage, painted Alaskan scenes and also did professional art restoration for many years. In addition to his beautiful impressionist landscapes, Abken is also known for his portraits of Native Americans as well as Americans. Abken suffered the effects of a stroke in 2018 and currently resides in New York with his family.

Provenance: ex-Walter Earl collection, Anchorage, Alaska, USA

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166925

Painting is in excellent condition and hand-signed by the artist on the lower left. Frame has minute scuffs but is otherwise also very nice. Wired for suspension and ready to display.