Wheildon

we were very slow in coming forward in the greyton art world.  the varying skills amongst artists were remarkable.  i wish with hindsight that we had organised an annual exhibition.  we didn't.  artists are not the cleverest when it comes to organisation.

somehow, like a rolling stone doing its best not to gather any moss, an art class finally got going over a period of time.  eventually, about twelve ladies met once a week to enjoy each other's company and paint at the same time.

after some months, and really impressed by what i saw, i suggested that we approach the greyton lodge and ask if we might have an exhibition.  a date was set and the ladies were thrown into a panic to have their work framed in time.

kate was 11 at this time and, seriously, a much better artist than i.  she could draw from memory and had natural talent.  i have always needed reference to work from and, without it, can confuse viewers as to whether they are looking at a horse or a heffalump.  kate loved attending the art group if school activities permitted, and had asked that her painting of her siamese cat be shown.  we carefully selected a stunning mount and frame for her painting, entitled 'weetbix' by kate victoria oosthuizen - 11 years old.  kate made a sign’ “not for sale’’, which was fixed under her painting.

the weekend of our exhibition arrived.  the lodge had excelled itself with wine and snacks.  the villagers turned out in force and were blown away by the standard.  much to the delight of the exhibitors, paintings sold like hot cakes.  the fears of ridicule and criticism evaporated and were replaced by a spirit of euphoria.

weekenders started to arrive for a 'look see', having seen our poster outside in the street.  among them was a formidable german lady, who marched around the exhibition peering closely at every painting.

eventually, she approached kate and had a good look at ‘weetbix’.  kate was standing guard and looked very defensive when questioned by the visitor.  i got a little closer and gathered that the german lady wanted to buy the painting.  i was about to intervene, as usual, but caught my daughter's eye and decided to hold my tongue.

“i buy ziss picture.”

“it is not for sale.”

“i buy ziss veetbix kat.”

“it is not for sale.”

“i pay r800 for ziss kat picture.”

“would you like me to wrap it for you?”

i was thrilled at kate’s early grasp of sensible business.

as i write, kate has just finished her law degree at stellenbosch university.  ginny and i are looking forward to being kept in a manner to which we could so easily become accustomed.