Weidenaar, Reynold H. (1915-1985) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Reynold Henry Weidenaar was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while his father was attending what is now Calvin Theological Seminary. He attended public and Christian schools, as well as Kendall School of Design and Davis Tech in Grand Rapids, next enrolling at the Kansas City Art Institute, where he became a largely self-taught etcher. He returned to Michigan. In 1944 he married Ilse Eerdmans, an accomplished painter; they had three children: Reynold, Carla (Collins), and Paula (Graf). He received numerous honors and awards and was elected to membership in the National Academy and eventually elevated to full academician.

As a painter, he is best known for his highly detailed "resin oils." He was for many years an instructor in life drawing and painting at the Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, MI, and a private instructor as well as a book illustrator. In addition to printmaking, he worked in watercolor and casein and did murals for several churches and businesses in Michigan. He also served on the faculty of Kendall School of Design.

He was a member of the National Academy of Design, the American Watercolor Society, and art associations in a number of communities on the east and west coasts including Carmel, Gloucester, and Boston. He also was an associate member of the Prairie Printmakers.