Artist.  Prominent in early 20th century North American art, he was most noted for his landscape paintings. Studying with artists William Merritt Chase, George Inness and William Keith, his work ranged from tonalism (painting that utilized the overall tone of colored atmosphere or mist) in the early part of his career to post-impressionistic in the latter part. While he did do portraits, he is best known for his tree studies. (bio by: Kim Bullock)  Family links:  Spouse:  Madonna Niles Ahrens (1882 – 1976)  Children:  Laird Joseph Ahrens (1906 – 1986)*  Penelope Elizabeth Ahrens (1908 – 1910)*  Sigrid Ahrens Eldridge (1911 – 1998)*  Chloris Ahrens Downes (1912 – 1982)* *Calculated relationship Note: Carl’s birth year is listed as 1863 on the stone, but baptism records show he was born in 1862.