Shrike Pair and Hawthorn

Shrike Pair and Hawthorn - 12-7/8 x 26-1/4; Offset Paper; Edition Size 950; $155.00 U.S. "Although I am a great supporter of wilderness, an important part of my psyche has a strong pull toward the hand of man interacting with nature. However, this must be traditional human activity, not the modern industrial variety. Many of the happiest hours of my childhood were spent roaming old pastures. Old pastures gave a perfect mixed habitat for variety in nature. A common tree species was the hawthorn or thorn apple, which gave great protection for nesting birds. In spring, the smell of hawthorn flowers fills me with joy of that season, and in fall the red berries not only look decorative, but also provide food for many species. Hawthorns have also always been associated with shrikes. The shrike’s nickname is the “butcher bird” because of its tendency to impale prey on a thorn." Robert Bateman

Biography

Robert Bateman has been called the most famous living artist. He continues to paint and tour the world to promote conservation and preservation of nature. We have represented Robert Bateman for decades and are now the sole publisher and distributor of his reproductions. We are so honored to work with him and witness his success. He has made such a massive contribution to the art world and the natural world as an artist and educator of the earth’s most important resources. Nature as a subject is becoming more and more popular as our environment is in peril. What better subject is there than the beautiful creatures we share this world with? Robert Bateman’s appreciation and understanding of nature are apparent in his paintings. He is able to paint flora and fauna the way your eye would perceive it in real life. It is important that the animal takes full attention. The background becomes muted, and therefore it doesn’t take too much focus away from the subject. His paintings seem effortless and masterful all at once. Bateman’s eye for composition is unparalleled. Each painting is a composed like a symphony, leading the eye to wander. From the backyards of North America to the sprawling plains of Africa. Robert Bateman captures nature the way it should be enjoyed. Above all he is a champion of wildlife. For this reason he has become a household name for art collectors.