The Painted Attic

About Us

Kim Tobaben is a versatile, self-taught artist who works across a wide range of mediums, including pencil, charcoal, acrylic, and watercolor. She’s known for her playful, mixed-media approach, often incorporating old book pages, scrapbook paper, and other found materials to add texture, depth, and a touch of nostalgia to her work. Her one-of-a-kind paintings, especially her charming animal portraits (each with its own name and personality), are full of heart. Kim also creates hand-painted wood pieces featuring animals, seasonal themes, and holiday décor.
Art and creativity have long been a family affair. After more than 30 years of participating in craft shows, Kim is now joined by her daughters, once little helpers, now talented makers in their own right, who offer hand-stitched and sewn primitive items. Her husband David also contributes his craftsmanship, building beautifully handmade noodle boards, cookbook holders, serving trays, and custom frames for Kim’s artwork. Together, they’ve built a collaborative, homegrown business rooted in creativity, quality, and love for the craft.
You’ll find their work at several fall craft shows across the region. Though Kim is at retirement age, she’s chosen to speed up rather than slow down, continuing to grow her business and passion for painting. For her, creating is a lifelong joy, an ever-evolving journey of learning, experimenting, and starting fresh when needed. As she says, “The great thing about painting is if you don’t like it, just paint over it and begin again!''