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By Laura Ernde

Earlier in his career as an artist, Mort Künstler focused his energy on recreating famous historical events such as Custer's Last Stand and the Alamo, trying each time to put a fresh perspective on the often depicted scenes.

	The Blue and The Gray

Then he started painting little-known scenes from the Civil War. Künstler found a new niche. "I began to realize the pictures were having an impact on people," said Künstler, who was passing through Hagerstown recently on his way to appearances in Gettysburg, Pa., and Winchester, Va.

Wherever he travels, fans line up to meet him and get his signature on his books and limited edition prints.

Even after a lifetime of painting, Künstler, 69, is surprised by all the attention.

"It has astounded me, truly," he said. "It is, of course, very flattering and very tiring, but very gratifying. It has changed my life."

Künstler became interested in the Civil War after he was commissioned by CBS television to do a painting for the miniseries The Blue and the Gray.

A Gettysburg gallery owner suggested Künstler paint something to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Künstler meticulously studied the battle and on July 3, 1988, he unveiled The High Water Mark, which shows Union troops being charged by Pickett's soldiers. It was the high point in the war for the Confederacy.

Limited edition prints that sold for $200 back then are being resold for $3,000 today, he said.

Künstler has since released hundreds of Civil War prints, some of which feature events that occurred in the Tri-State area.

Künstler's paintings can be seen on the Internet at www.mortkunstler.com.

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