Almost all of South Africa's masters of impressionism are reaching retirement age. But a new generation of painters in the classic tradition is slowly making their appearance.
34-Year old Corne Weideman whose paintings have caught the eyes of serious art investors is one of them. Experts say his works show a maturity far beyond his age.
Weideman was born in Rustenburg (25-Jan-1977) and attended 11 different schools before matriculating in Robertson in the Western Cape.
He started to draw at age 3 and ever since showed an interest to paint.
Corne remembers spending hours studying the works and techniques of the masters of impressionism, including Monet, Degas and Renoir - the methods of composition and lighting, and the use of broken colours to depict visual impressions.
Adriaan Boshoff, the greatest exponent of impressionism South Africa has ever known, was his mentor, inspiration and great friend.
Corné was privilege to live with Adriaan Boshoff for 1 year at Hartbeespoortdam before the tragic death of Boshoff.
Corné: "Although I see Adriaan Boshoff as my mentor, I had to do the hard work of applying and implementing his words. There is no easy way out. I paint every day and know that it is practice that makes perfect.
“I wish I had more time with Boshoff but I must rely on my own talents, and gifts that were given me by the Lord.”
An exhibition was held in Cape-Town (June '07), which was a huge success for Corne - "Corne is a name to watch out for in the future" was every-body’s remarks, painting professionally for only 16 months and delivering such high quality of art is nothing short of a miracle...