National Museum of Wildlife Art

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

307.733.5771

www.wildlifeart.org



 

 

Renowned Contemporary Wildlife Artist on Exhibit

By Ponteir Sackrey, Marketing Manager

 

Robert Bateman at work

 

A retrospective exhibit featuring Robert Bateman, one of the world's most celebrated contemporary wildlife artists, will be opening at the National Museum of Wildlife Art on Saturday, May 31, 1997. Titled Robert Bateman: Natural Worlds this exhibit will feature 35 of his most prolific works including "Rocky Wilderness - Cougar," "The Challenge - Bull Moose," "Leopard in a Sausage Tree" and "Peregrine Falcon." In addition, the museum will unveil Robert Bateman's latest painting of a bison, designed especially for the National Museum of Wildlife Art. This life size painting will measure approximately 8 feet by 6 feet and will have a prominent and permanent place in our museum. It will be the largest such painting Bateman has ever done.

A Special Members Only Artist Presentation and Opening will take place on Friday, May 30 at 6 pm. Bateman will give a slide presentation and will personally unveil the life size bison image. A reception for Robert Bateman: Natural Worlds and Birds in Art will follow.

A native of southern Ontario, Canada, Bateman became fascinated with nature as a child. His home was located near a river valley where he would study and sketch native birds. This practice began a lifelong education as a naturalist and artist. After receiving his education at the University of Toronto, Bateman taught geography and art, while painting a variety of modern styles. Inspired by the work of Andrew Wyeth, in the mid-1960's, the artist turned toward realism featuring the subject he knew best - wildlife. His paintings were soon recognized by naturalists and collectors alike. Today he is world renowned and many clamor to see his work.

Bateman's art reflects his commitment to ecology and preservation. Since the early 60's, he has been an active member of naturalist clubs and other conservation organizations. This involvement has increased in recent years and is now on a global scale. He has become a spokesman for many environmental and preservation issues and has used his artwork and limited edition prints in fundraising efforts which have raised millions of dollars for worthy causes.

"I can't conceive of anything being more varied and rich and handsome than the planet Earth," Bateman states. "And its crowning beauty is the natural world. I want to soak it up, to understand it as well as I can, and to absorb it. And then I'd like to put it together and express it in my painting. This is the way I want to dedicate my work."

Naturalist, conservationist, philosopher and warm human being, Bateman has deservedly won the praise and admiration of nature and art lovers alike.

Robert Bateman: Natural Worlds will be on display from May 30 through November 30, 1997.

Rpbert Bateman, Rocky Wilderness Cougar


Search for more articles and essays on American art in Resource Library. See America's Distinguished Artists for biographical information on historic artists.

This page was originally published in 1997 in Resource Library Magazine. Please see Resource Library's Overview section for more information.

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