1938-1996
William J. (Bill) Koelpin, Sr. was active/lived in Wisconsin. William Koelpin Sr is known for wildlife and waterfowl sculpture, painting and decoy woodcarving.
Koelpin was devoted to sporting art with precise depictions of hunting wildlife, and nautical scenes. Growing up outside of Milwaukee, like many wildlife artists, William Koelpin was an avid hunter and fisher. Teaching himself through field studies and a few life drawing classes in college, he often painted and carved during his down time as a firefighter.
Koelpin became a full time artist in 1974 shortly after selling all of his work at a Midwest Carvers Collectors meeting. He quickly became known for his realistic wood carvings, paintings and bronzes.
His honors include:
“Best in World” – Art and Waterfowl Exhibit in Salisbury, Maryland
Certificate of Excellence – Philadelphia Wildfowl Exhibition
“One of the Best Carvers in the Country” – Birmingham Museum of Art (description of exhibit)
“One of America’s Premier Artists” – Leigh-Yawkey-Woodson Art Museum
“Master of the Guild” – International Wood Carvers Guild
Wisconsin Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year