"Broken Tree" Painting

Like many artists around the world recognition comes after they pass away. Leonard Weaver s’ (1915 –1996) story is that of a little known artist to an artist that is becoming more and more recognized as time moves on. Late in 2015 a bounty of my father’s art was uncovered and rescued from its resting place in our home, John Weaver, and his wife Maria Angela.

There are two stories regarding the artist’s history that are worth noting.The first is about the art that was recovered from personal portfolio’s that were done in 1949-1955 in Germany after WWII. By examining the signature and recollection of stories told there is a little history that has been developed. My father had a lifelong relationship with artist Martin Frey.

Martin was German and became a world renowned artist and architect. He had years of success and now his works are available in lithograph. I’m not sure about the status of the originals; websites that have information about him do not disclose pricing. Martin and my father painted together did exhibitions together in Bonn and Bad Gotesberg Germany in the late 40’s and early 50’s. In the archives are Remarque works from Martin to my father plus handmade Christmas cards letters and the notice of his passing. My father also sent paintings to Martin in the early 80’s that were placed in a gallery in Bonn Germany; it’s unknown to me the whereabouts of those pictures today.

In addition to the information above I am now adding information about my father’s life. Leonard George Weaver was born on December 21,1915 as Leonard Nesbitt Ely. His father was Jessie Byron Ely, and his mom was Edith May Henry. My middle name is Nesbitt obviously taken from my father’s middle name and my mom’s name was Edith, that I believe is just a coincidence. Dads’ birthplace was Detroit Michigan.His mother and father’s families were from Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Writing about my father is probably one of the most difficult endevors I have ever done. In doing so I have discovered more of my family history which I would be willing ti share in the future.