Discovering Bert Weir: A Personal Journey Through Our Abstract Art Collection

For years, I’ve received requests to share an exclusive “art tour” featuring the breathtaking paintings by my husband’s grandfather, the renowned artist Bert Weir. Today, I am absolutely thrilled to finally unveil this special collection! My admiration for his art runs deep, not only as a connoisseur of beauty in all its forms but also because of the profound significance these pieces hold for my husband. They are a constant, vivid reminder of the deep bond he shared with his grandfather. Bert and my husband had much in common, from their shared love for sailing to a life cherished amidst the tranquility of the woods. I truly believe that seeing Bert’s art gracing our walls daily helps keep his memory and spirit alive, especially since Bert passed away in 2018.

Bert Weir was an extraordinary individual, a true force of nature. Having met my husband in our teenage years, I had the privilege of visiting Bert in his vibrant home and studio countless times over the decades. Though I’ve never truly admitted it until now, I always felt a touch intimidated by his immense presence. His passion for art and nature was palpable, almost boundless, and his talent, of course, was simply immense. When he passed, the void he left was felt far beyond our family circle; he had touched and inspired so many lives with his vision and spirit. I often wish I had been able to know him more intimately, but geographical distance meant our visits were always sporadic, making each moment spent with him even more precious.

While you may have caught glimpses of some of the Bert Weir paintings we own in previous posts, this tour is different. Today, I’m delighted to dive deeper, sharing intriguing stories and personal anecdotes behind each captivating piece that invariably draws everyone’s attention. Moreover, I’ll be showcasing the evolving journey of these artworks within our homes, detailing how I’ve re-arranged and rediscovered them across our previous house and this one, and within various rooms, as our cherished collection grew. Plus, get ready for a special treat: I’m unveiling never-before-seen photos of his other remarkable artworks! If you’re eager to explore more of Bert Weir’s magnificent oeuvre, you can easily find his official website here, and delve into another blog post I penned about his art right here. For an even deeper understanding of his life and artistic journey, a comprehensive book about his life and work is also available, an essential resource for any admirer (as pictured above).

Hubby’s Original Bert Weir Collection: Our First Encounter with Artistic Beauty

When my husband and I decided to embark on our shared life journey and moved in together, I was absolutely thrilled at the prospect of spending more time with the two Bert Weir paintings he already proudly owned. These initial pieces, pictured below, truly marked the beginning of my immersive appreciation for Bert’s unique artistic voice. I can honestly say that the striking turquoise abstract piece is what ignited my enduring passion for this specific, vibrant color. From the very moment my eyes first fell upon it in my husband’s rather spartan apartment, I was utterly entranced. This painting has since become a fixture in every home we’ve shared, adorning spaces from our guest room to my dedicated office (as seen below). Today, it resides in our main bathroom, a vibrant splash of color in an unexpected place.

While I admit to a slight worry about its placement in the bathroom, I also deeply cherish the fact that I get to experience its beauty every single day. I firmly believe that every room, no matter how functional, deserves the transformative power of beautiful artwork. Interestingly, our recent kitchen renovation and the installation of sleek new upper cabinets displaced a framed print, making me consider moving it into the bathroom as well, creating a mini-gallery. The other abstract painting, a vibrant green piece shown in some of the earlier photos, is no longer part of our collection. We eventually traded it for another of Bert’s masterpieces, a story I’m eager to share later in this detailed art tour!

Shared Acquisitions: Bert Weir Paintings Acquired During His Lifetime

After we made the significant move to a new city and officially moved in together in 2007, our proximity to my husband’s mother and Grandpa Bert meant we could visit them far more frequently. During one particularly memorable visit, we were granted the incredible opportunity to select a painting as a housewarming gift, a gesture that meant the world to us. After hours of delightful deliberation, meticulously sifting through a myriad of captivating artworks, we ultimately chose the stunning piece pictured below. This painting, created in the early 1980s, holds a special place, not only in our home but also as a featured work in the definitive book about Bert Weir. It’s a testament to his enduring artistic vision.

Like many cherished pieces in our Bert Weir collection, this painting has graced quite a few spaces, adapting beautifully to each environment. Currently, it enjoys a place of honor in our bedroom. Alongside another one of Bert’s evocative works, it’s the very first thing we have the pleasure of seeing each morning when we awaken, setting a beautiful, contemplative tone for the day ahead. Its presence fills the room with both color and personal history.

The delightful pair of paintings captured below entered our lives as a thoughtful Christmas gift around the time we were settling into our very first apartment together. My husband embarked on a solo visit to his family and returned with these two exquisite Bert Weir artworks, a wonderful surprise! While they now reside in our laundry room – a testament to our current, smaller home’s limited wall space – they continue to infuse the utilitarian room with unexpected beauty. The best photograph I have of them is from when they hung gracefully in the guest bedroom of our previous townhouse, truly showcasing their vibrant charm.

Following our marriage, we were once again given the incredibly generous offer to select another painting from Bert’s expansive collection, a momentous decision for us. We ultimately chose the captivating diptych photographed below. I’ve never confessed this to Bert or my husband’s family, but a significant reason I suggested we marry when we did was my fervent hope that Bert, despite his burgeoning health issues, would be able to attend our special day. I had gently warned my husband that our time with him was finite. Tragically, in the end, Bert was unable to make the journey to celebrate with us. However, in his characteristic generosity, he insisted we choose another painting as a wedding gift. At that time, our mode of transport was a modest Versa hatchback, which naturally limited our selection to pieces that would fit into our small car. This stunning pair of paintings fit perfectly, and once displayed on our wall, they created a statement far larger than their individual canvases. I like to believe their light and airy aesthetic perfectly mirrored our mindset back then. Newly married, we felt boundless hope for our future and a wonderful lightness of heart. It’s poignant to reflect that some of our subsequent art choices gravitated towards darker, moodier palettes as the years passed, and our lives were irrevocably shadowed by a family tragedy on my side. This beautiful diptych initially hung prominently above our sofa in both our townhouse and here in the lakehouse, but has since found a serene home in my office. I adore gazing at them every day as I work. They serve as a constant, beautiful reminder of Bert’s immense talent and profound generosity, and also of those joyful, lighthearted early years of our marriage, a truly cherished period.

During a four-month period when I was living in Hungary, I strongly encouraged my husband to visit his family back home. Crucially, I also urged him to inquire about acquiring another painting while he was there. His mother had previously confided in us that once Bert passed away, certain legal implications (the specifics of which are now a bit hazy for me) would arise concerning his artworks, meaning pieces could no longer be freely gifted. She had encouraged us to ask for pieces while we still could, but my husband, bless his modest heart, is not one to ask for anything. Despite his reluctance, I pressed him, knowing how deeply he admired Bert’s art, and he eventually chose a magnificent painting titled ‘Joy’s Rock’. Unlike many of our other treasured pieces, this one was painted much more recently, offering a distinct stylistic perspective. It first graced our townhouse dining room, then moved to hang elegantly above the credenza when we relocated to the lakehouse. Presently, it enlivens our hallway, a vibrant focal point. My hope for the future is that we might one day move to a slightly larger home, allowing us to display Bert’s dynamic and captivating art in even more prominent and appreciative spaces, truly doing justice to its scale and beauty.

The Posthumous Selections: Bert Weir Paintings Acquired After 2018

Bert Weir’s generosity with his art throughout his lifetime was truly remarkable; as you’ve seen, we were blessed with many, many pieces, for which I am eternally grateful. After his passing, a new, poignant chapter began in our collection journey. My husband was willed the choice of five additional paintings, understanding that this would be our final opportunity to directly acquire pieces from Bert’s vast oeuvre. Knowing the significance of this moment, we embarked on a special pilgrimage to his studio. To ensure we weren’t limited by size this time, we arrived not just with our truck, but also with a borrowed trailer! This foresight was particularly advantageous, as a wider selection of larger pieces was available. Other family members, having been constrained by the practicalities of car trunks or suitcases for transportation, had often left behind the grander canvases. But now, with our trailer, we had the liberty to choose even an eight-foot-tall masterpiece if we wished! The pressure of selecting these final five paintings was immense, a truly momentous decision.

Our selection process began by meticulously flipping through a massive binder catalogue, noting down pieces we adored and confirming their availability. The next thrilling step was to locate these serial numbers and behold the actual paintings in real life. My husband’s mother and Bert’s wife, Joy, had worked tirelessly to manage arrangements, and I vividly recall their incredible accommodation and kindness. They allowed us to plan our trip whenever it suited us best (we were racing against the first snowfall and navigating between an exterior and bunkie renovation). As we contemplated our choices, they generously shared cherished memories of Bert, offering invaluable insights into his artistic journey and personal life. That weekend deepened our understanding of Bert immensely, and while it was a wonderfully nostalgic visit, it felt far too short. I must admit, the world certainly felt much emptier without his vibrant presence.

It was during this poignant selection process that we acquired the massive diptych known as “Wave Patterns,” which now proudly hangs above our sofa. Bert was an exceptionally avid sailor – you can even find a poem he wrote about his sailing experiences here – and I believe this particular artwork is a jewel from his celebrated 1988 Wave series. This series comprised 12 monumental diptychs, each profoundly inspired by the dynamic forces of winds and waves, a theme that resonated deeply with his life. My husband inherited his profound love of sailing directly from Bert, and together, they had navigated countless waters. At the time we were selecting these five paintings, and indeed, even now, we had recently purchased our very own sailboat. We were, and remain, utterly mesmerized by and in awe of the sheer power and beauty of water. The entire Wave series spoke to both of us on a deeply personal level. What might surprise you, however, is that our initial consideration was for the full-size version of the striking print shown below:

The original painting of the print is vividly pictured below. My husband’s mother, in her characteristic generosity, offered us a beautifully framed and signed print of this very piece as a bonus, an unexpected gift in addition to the paintings we chose. While this painting possessed a haunting, captivating quality, the one we ultimately selected turned out to be far more special and imbued with deeper personal meaning.

After discovering that another piece from the coveted Wave Series, which we had initially chosen, was unfortunately unavailable, we were generously offered this exquisite painting instead. What makes this piece truly extraordinary is that it had actually hung in Bert’s own studio. It was a painting he loved enough to live with every day, taken directly from his cherished home, making it profoundly special to us. I find immense comfort and joy in the thought that every day, my husband now sees a painting that his beloved Grandpa Bert saw daily. This connection imbues it with an even greater depth of meaning than any of the other pieces we might have chosen.

When we brought this particular masterpiece home, we encountered a rather amusing challenge. Our initial plan was for this grand painting to adorn our hallway, but upon attempting to stand it up, we quickly realized we lacked the necessary ceiling height – it measures approximately 90 by 113 inches! A slight miscalculation on our part. Even above our sofa, despite our impressive 13-foot ceiling, the room’s slope meant there wasn’t enough clearance. So, we ingeniously decided to position it slightly below the sofa, creating a stunning visual effect. We even devised a clever trick for hanging it securely, with a portion tucked discreetly behind the sofa, ensuring its protection while maximizing its dramatic impact.

Back in our bedroom, the painting positioned on the right, beside the piece we received as a gift when we first moved in together, fills my heart with an indescribable warmth. When we were in the midst of selecting our final five paintings, I made a conscious effort to let my husband take the lead in the choices. After all, it was *his* Grandpa Bert who had passed, and I wanted his connection to be paramount. This required all of my willpower, as I, too, am incredibly passionate about Bert’s art – and indeed, art in general – as well as the aesthetic harmony of our home. The particular painting shown below was one that I absolutely adored, a piece that spoke deeply to my soul. Much like the paintings we chose as our wedding present, this one ignited a sense of light and happiness within me, a feeling I hadn’t experienced in quite some time. Yet, as we navigated the selection process, my husband, perhaps unknowingly, moved it to the “nope” pile, and my heart sank. But when he saw the depth of my affection for it, he thoughtfully chose it for me, a gesture for which I am eternally grateful. Every morning when I wake, I am reminded of what a generous and kind partner he is, allowing me to personally select one of the final five paintings from his beloved Grandpa Bert that he would ever possess. It’s a testament to our shared love, both for art and for each other.

Above our credenza now hangs another captivating piece profoundly inspired by Bert’s extensive time sailing; it’s aptly named ‘Leeside Waves’ (1986). This painting has consistently been a family favorite, even having been immortalized in a limited run of postcards – my husband’s mother once sent us a delightful note written on one! We even had the incredible opportunity to see it exhibited in a gallery setting, truly a moment of pride. I am still in awe that we now possess the full-sized, original version of this iconic work! Interestingly, our initial choice for this spot was a different painting, pictured below, but it ultimately became unavailable. It was then, by some serendipitous miracle, that we discovered ‘Leeside Waves’ was still an option, a truly fortunate turn of events that brought this beloved piece into our collection.

Once again, our deep connection to the lakeside environment and our shared passion for sailing profoundly influenced our choice of this particular painting. Bert possessed an unparalleled ability to beautifully capture the raw, exhilarating feeling of being tossed about by powerful waves, a sensation of delightful disorientation brought on by the ocean’s immense beauty and formidable strength. This art piece resonates deeply with our own sailing experiences, bringing to mind even our last rather memorable (and disastrous) sailing adventure, turning challenging moments into a beautiful artistic reflection.

Another striking painting now resides in our hallway, and I often wish we had a more expansive wall to truly showcase its grandeur and allow it to be appreciated to its fullest potential. This piece, too, has a story of almost being left behind. The night after our whirlwind day of intensely combing through Bert’s impressive collection, we found ourselves second-guessing some of our initial choices. Waking early, well before our drive home, we decided to make a last-minute switch, exchanging two of our selected paintings for others that felt more compelling. Pictured below are the two original selections that we ultimately replaced before beginning our journey home.

As we thoughtfully considered which two new paintings to select during that decisive morning, we almost chose the captivating middle painting shown below, drawn to its unique charm and artistic expression.

However, as you’ve now seen, our ultimate choice gravitated towards the painting situated in the middle of the following image (and to its left, you’ll spot the piece currently in our dining room, which helps to provide a sense of the magnificent scale of these Bert Weir artworks). This final selection felt just right, a perfect complement to our burgeoning collection.

One day, I harbor the dream of having a truly magnificent, grand wall upon which to proudly display this cherished piece, allowing its full impact to be realized. For now, however, I absolutely adore the feeling our art-packed hallway evokes; it transforms the space into what feels like an intimate, personal art gallery, a corridor of contemplation and beauty, filled with the essence of Bert Weir’s genius.

The second painting we traded during that crucial morning before our long drive home also holds a special place in our memories. We genuinely loved it, but knowing this was our final opportunity to choose from Bert’s collection, we made the strategic decision to seek out something even grander, something that truly embodied his signature style. Bert’s unparalleled talent lay in painting epic canvases – immersive artworks that make you feel as though you can literally step into them and vanish from the face of the earth, becoming one with the landscape. So, this beautiful painting, despite its charm, was lovingly returned to the collection. I still hold out hope that one day I might be able to acquire it, completing a circle of admiration.

During our second, more focused viewing, the striking painting below immediately caught our eye. However, if my memory serves me correctly, it had already been spoken for, reserved by another admirer. Undeterred, our clever strategy was to revisit the expansive catalogue and specifically seek out other pieces painted around the same period, hoping to discover another, similar masterpiece that would resonate with us just as deeply. This methodical approach proved to be quite fruitful in our quest.

It was through this dedicated search that we ultimately discovered the magnificent painting that now graces my office, pictured below. This particular artwork serves as a profound celebration of the exquisite beauty of winter – a season I, admittedly, often struggle to fully appreciate. I frequently find myself resenting the seemingly never-ending winters here, punctuated by only a fleeting glimpse of summer, my absolute favorite season. While I deeply love living on the shores of Lake Superior, I cannot deny that it comes with the price of brutally cold, relentless winters. Yet, this captivating painting has miraculously transformed my perspective, making me want to embrace and celebrate the stark, often snow-covered beauty of this unique landscape. I learned that Bert, contrary to my own seasonal preferences, absolutely adored winter and was even known to paint outdoors during a snowstorm! Can you now perhaps understand why I felt so intimidated by him? He truly seemed larger than life, an artist utterly fearless in his pursuit of capturing nature’s raw essence. You can explore more intricate details of this painting, and even learn how we crafted its elegant frame, here, in our DIY tutorial for the easy canvas frame.

After Bert’s passing, a small, yet incredibly meaningful painting was discovered by my husband’s mother. This charming watercolor, which now hangs gracefully above two chairs in our home, bore my husband’s name, making it a truly special posthumous gift from his grandfather. This piece holds a unique place in our collection, not just for its personal dedication, but also because it inspired us to do something we had never done before: we re-framed it! While we have previously constructed frames for unframed pieces, this was the very first time we removed a frame that Bert himself had made, approaching the task with immense respect and care. If you’re curious about our process, here’s the tutorial detailing how we crafted the new floating frame for this cherished Bert Weir artwork.

The Transformative Trade: A New Perspective for Our Collection

During the intense period of selecting our final five pieces, my husband’s mother shared a wonderfully liberating piece of information: once we owned a Bert Weir artwork, we would always be free to trade it in for another from the collection. This sparked a brilliant idea within me, ignited by the memory of a particular painting we deeply loved but had, with some reluctance, left behind. Apparently, other family members had also admired this piece, yet for various reasons, no one had chosen it for their own. Here it is, prominently featured in the middle of one of our initial shortlist iterations, a painting that consistently captivated our attention.

We deliberated over this painting for a considerable amount of time, its allure never fading. Eventually, we decided to take the leap and inquired if a trade would be possible. The vibrant green painting you saw much earlier in this post – the one my husband owned when we first met – had, truthfully, never quite been my personal favorite, even though it was undeniably beautiful, as all of Bert’s art truly is. Recognizing this, my husband graciously agreed that we could swap it for the stunning autumnal landscape we had longed for. This particular painting resonated profoundly with both of us, its rich colors and evocative forms perfectly reflecting the natural landscape that surrounds us here at the lakehouse. It proved to be so inspiring that it even sparked the complete redesign of our powder room! We felt compelled to create a little jewel of a space, a vibrant and immersive environment specifically designed to encircle and enhance this masterpiece. Bert’s art, we believe, is simply too beautiful for bland rooms; it deserves to be celebrated in spaces that echo its own unique spirit and vibrancy.

A Glimpse Beyond Our Walls: Other Works by Bert Weir

Armed with only my iPhone, I couldn’t resist snapping additional photos of Bert’s diverse artwork during our profound visit to choose my husband’s five pieces. These images offer a broader perspective on his artistic range. Please forgive the less-than-professional quality of these impromptu shots; I simply wanted to share these for pure enjoyment and curiosity. It’s important to note that some of these pieces reside in private collections, the details of which I will respectfully keep confidential. Others are housed at Laurentian University, accessible for public admiration, and some represent captivating paintings we considered for our own collection but ultimately didn’t choose. For truly exceptional photographs, I highly recommend exploring Bert’s official website and the comprehensive book about his life and work, where his wife, Joy – an incredible photographer in her own right – has captured his art in stunning detail.

The striking photos below were taken at Laurentian University, where Bert Weir’s work is prominently displayed. It was precisely here that we discovered an innovative idea for dramatically hanging such a large painting, offering invaluable inspiration for our own grand pieces!

The following three captivating artworks are held in private collections, showcasing the broad reach and appreciation for Bert Weir’s unique vision:

And finally, below are several stunning Bert Weir paintings that we thoughtfully considered for our own collection but, after much deliberation, ultimately didn’t choose. Each one, however, is a testament to his incredible talent and diverse stylistic periods.

There’s also this little gem of a teal painting, pictured below the painting we traded on the morning of our journey home. It’s a piece I truly hope to acquire one day, adding another beautiful stroke to our ever-evolving collection of Bert Weir’s magnificent art.

I sincerely hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed this deeply personal and extensive tour through our cherished collection of Bert Weir’s paintings! It has been a true pleasure to share the stories, the beauty, and the profound emotional connections woven into each artwork. For those eager to delve further into his remarkable life and expansive body of work, I highly encourage you to read more about his life and artistry on his official website. One of my absolute favorite aspects of sharing our home online has been the incredible opportunity to introduce Bert’s captivating art to such a wide and appreciative audience. Thank you so much for reading and for joining us on this artistic journey. If you prefer a visual experience, I’ve also shared a dynamic TikTok video tour of our collection, which you can find right here.

P.S. Don’t Forget to Pin for Later Inspiration!