The Art of Robert Bateman

by Ramsay Derry, Roger Tory Paterson (Introduction)

"The Art Of Robert Bateman" was first of many best-selling books by the internationally-acclaimed wildlife artist from Ontario. Robert's exquisitely-rendered paintings and drawings, accompanied by the artist's recollections and observations, are gathered for art and nature lovers to enjoy.

Genres: Art, Nature, Nonfiction, Reference, Canada, Natural History, Animals

180 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Lloyd Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some lovely painting here of wildlife and nature scenes ..thjough the script bt Ramsay Derry seems a little stilted and pedestrian. I liked Robert Batemens' own descriptions (of his paintings better). I've always liked the paintings of Andrew Wyeth and I can see the debt that Bateman owes to Wyeth. Mostly, the work that I liked was the realist wildlife and bird paintings but he also has a number of pairings of embankment aments, and grassland ...omne of reeds that was meant to have a bird in it but he liked it just the way it is...and i agree. It's lovely. I was particularly taken by some of his detailed explanations of the embankment vacated by nesting swifts. Clearly he does have a very good grasp of geology and soil science. I also liked the sketchbook though I would have liked to see the actual development of one or two of his works through the various stages.......maybe in his next book. He strikes me as still getting into his stride and there is almost an air of self-consciousness about some of his work...though with other paintings ...like the one of the bear emerging on the rock there is a confident maturity in the painting. I especially liked the occasional close up as in the one on p88 (Marginal meadows) ...they give me hope that maybe, just maybe, one day I might be able to paint something like this. Clearly he paints on a large scale and reducing the size of the originals for the book concentrates the details. Makes them appear more detailed than they actually are ...but then they are really good paintings. Overall, I loved the work. Happy to give it 4.5 stars.

[C. (Don't blank click my reviews, comment please! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this exquisite, enlightening book thinking of my friend, Malinda. She would squeeze every ounce of value from its experiential and technical scope. I loved pouring over it as a novice. I learned concepts, styles, methods, and words for describing what I see in paintings! I had no education in this subject and am immensely gratified with what I got out of Ramsay Derry’s 1981 book. He observed Robert at home. This was the most entertaining and informative portion; second to the pleasure of his stunning paintings.

We outline a clearly successful mix of talent, broad lessons that include sculpture, education in biology and nature, exposure to varied styles, and world travel. A sour note for me was an indication of killing for study, or capturing for museums; removal from home and country. I approve of neither. Whenever Robert’s conservationism was mentioned, I winced. However I believe he loves life. His generation considered sacrificing acceptable; drew a line between ourselves and other mammals. I learned about “economy”: conveying a landscape or subject with few brushstrokes. I didn’t know a subject’s shape is sometimes mimicked in the curves of surrounding stones or snow.

I love Robert’s determination to get details right. Plants and rocks can knowledgeably be identified and above all, animals appear as we truly glimpse them. They aren’t posing for us in centered portraiture. They are flitting away to the side, or are concealed among leaves. Realness is the first impression of Robert’s paintings to astounding detail. My Manitoba adjoins his Ontario, sharing in common numerous home tableaux of forests, plains, and native birds. I thought artists must hunch over their work in quiet. What a revelation, that Robert chats on the phone and invites his children into the studio. His is surely a gift that flows naturally.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully produced, with one of my favorite paintings of his: the mountain goats on page 24. The text is a little fawning, but I enjoyed the description of how Bateman works.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.
Probably read in the mid to late 1980s.
Entered here in 2021.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of 3 editions (that I know of), presenting some of Bateman's best on high quality paper in a high quality book.



The large pages and the printing quality make these books must-have for any art-lover. Even animal-lovers would be well served with these beautiful paintings.

My only regret is that I can't bring myself to tear out and have some of the pages framed to display on my walls. Not only would that damage the books, but it would also mean that the image appearing on the back of the page I had framed would be lost to sight.

Always an immense pleasure to take these volumes out and just casually go thru admiring the depth and details of each painting.

Should I ever win the lotery, I would absolutely get a Bateman original!

[Shahna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this. So pretty.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes:
at least a hundred paintings are showcased and all are fascinating
a gorgeous book

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good look into Bateman's early life, inspirations, and path of artistic growth. A true naturalist from the start and an artist with a voice and vision for his work.