HENNIE NIEMANn

A natural childhood inclination to art led to Hennie Niemann leaving a teaching career of 19 years, to pursue his love of creating. 

During his time as a teacher, he befriended Father Frans Claerhout, whose generous attitude towards others and humble demeanour made a great impression on Hennie, and it guides his life to this day.  

A lengthy correspondence with Gregoire Boonzaier evolved into personal mentorship, friendship and collaboration. It was Gregoire’s encouragement that led to him moving to Onrus, and becoming Gregoire’s neighbour and painting partner. Side by side they would paint trees, scenery and still life paintings,  Gregoire’s influence is noticeable, still today, in some of Hennie’s works. 

Initially largely influenced by French and Flemish impressionists for much of his artistic life, Hennie ascribes later influences to German and Flemish expressionists: Pechstein and Mueller amongst them.

Hennie’s magic comes from his ability to paint in so many different styles and genres.

He has established a vast following of local collectors, but his work is part of some substantial,  private, local and international collections.