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Life Sketches
Full of never-before-seen illustrations, Life Sketches is an inspiring and elegant portrait of Robert Bateman’s life as an artist and of his belief that “Nature is an infinite source of reason, imagination, and invention.”
From one of Canada’s most beloved painters comes an intimate, visually stunning memoir of the artist at work.
Internationally acclaimed artist Robert Bateman has brought the natural world to vivid life with his unique perspective. His vast body of work—spanning species as large as the buffalo and as small as the mouse—has touched millions of hearts and minds, awakening a reverence for wildlife of all kinds. Bateman is perhaps best known for his gorgeous depictions of birds in flight and in repose, images that stir in the viewer a deep appreciation of colour, form and spirit.
Life Sketches is a moving journey in both words and images that, for the first time, allows Bateman’s fans full access into his creative process, detailing his singular artistic vision and the inspiration behind his iconic art. What emerges is a portrait of a young boy enchanted by the natural world around him and called to record it in his sketches and paintings. Bitten by wanderlust, Bateman travelled the world and documented his real life experiences in journals, sketches, and paintings. In Life Sketches , he recounts the evolution of his style from abstraction to realism and the events that have shaped his art into a vocation over many decades. And through it all, Bateman shows how his keen sensibilities extend beyond art, to a passion for conservation and relentless advocacy for the natural world that underpins an incredible artistic legacy.
Join Robert Bateman on this personal guided tour through his life and art.
From one of Canada’s most beloved painters comes an intimate, visually stunning memoir of the artist at work.
Internationally acclaimed artist Robert Bateman has brought the natural world to vivid life with his unique perspective. His vast body of work—spanning species as large as the buffalo and as small as the mouse—has touched millions of hearts and minds, awakening a reverence for wildlife of all kinds. Bateman is perhaps best known for his gorgeous depictions of birds in flight and in repose, images that stir in the viewer a deep appreciation of colour, form and spirit.
Life Sketches is a moving journey in both words and images that, for the first time, allows Bateman’s fans full access into his creative process, detailing his singular artistic vision and the inspiration behind his iconic art. What emerges is a portrait of a young boy enchanted by the natural world around him and called to record it in his sketches and paintings. Bitten by wanderlust, Bateman travelled the world and documented his real life experiences in journals, sketches, and paintings. In Life Sketches , he recounts the evolution of his style from abstraction to realism and the events that have shaped his art into a vocation over many decades. And through it all, Bateman shows how his keen sensibilities extend beyond art, to a passion for conservation and relentless advocacy for the natural world that underpins an incredible artistic legacy.
Join Robert Bateman on this personal guided tour through his life and art.
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 3, 2015
6 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 26, 2016
What a rich Canadian life! Bateman 's life belongs deeply in the Canadian landscape. Through his auto biography, Robert Bateman is a living exemple of commitment . Deep commitment to follow his visual artistic talent, with a very strict discipline. Deep commitment to name with a scientific mind every bird he saw. Deep commitment to the environmental issue. This book is nicely illustrated with sketches and painting from his childhood, his young adult age up to what he paints now. Bateman explains very clearly the evolution of his paintings and how his painting stands between hyper realism and abstraction.
October 17, 2016
authentic, thoughtful, beautifully rendered, with colour photos and many sketches of wildlife, people, and places - read my full review of Life Sketches: a memoir by Robert Bateman.
January 3, 2018
I especially recommend this book to artists! I first went through and looked at sketches and later as I was reading this memoir, I checked the many pictures that were included. I found it inspirational and salute this passionate, incredibly disciplined and productive artist.
January 6, 2020
The book is essentially an autobiography of the artist. The writing style was anything but "stuffy" and I particularly enjoyed learning about the processes he follows to create art. I initially bought the book because of the drawings and I enjoyed getting to know more about the artist and his art.
May 19, 2020
Probably the best artist bios I have read.
If you are a Bateman fan this is a must read!
If you are a Bateman fan this is a must read!
December 16, 2020
Robert Bateman is my favorite wildlife artist. I appreciate having this peek into his life and goals.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews