Description
In the Oak – Great Horned Owl – 18 x 24; AP Only; Edition Size 500; Call for price
“Great horned owls have been a part of my psyche since I was a teenager. This is not
because of their rarity. In fact, they are one of the most widespread birds, found in
forests throughout north, central and south America, from the arctic tree line tp the
straits of Magellan. Depending on the area from which they come, they can have color
forms that vary from quite pale to quite dark. The reason for their role in my psyche
has to do with their ” gravitas” their presence seems powerful.
As a boy, I would direct my hikes to places where owls might be seen. To see any owl
seems to me to be an honor, bu the great horned is the most formidable of them all.
I would prowl through the darkest coniferous groves, which shelter and conceal owls
in the daytime. I would spend my time, not looking up in trees, but on the ground
for regurgitated pellets – usually mouse bones wrapped in a capsule of fur. If I found
any, it would be worthwhile to scrutinize the tree above for an owl-shaped shadow.
With luck, I would focus my binoculars on the dark blob and find the awesome
eyes looking at me. However, my best chance came with the help of crows. They
are great owl locators. As I approached, the owl (finding the harassing crows and
human presence just too much), would fly with hysterical crows in hot pursuit.
those few seconds, watching the owl’s big, silent wings disappearing through the
trees, would make my day.”
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.
