Description
Sheer Drop – Mountain Goats by Robert Bateman
(40″ x 30″, Giclee Canvas Renaissance Edition, 350 Edition, $1195)
(48″ x 36″, Giclee Canvas Museum Edition, 99 Edition,$1695)
“The idea of this picture began as a pure abstraction. I was probably inspired by an impressive show
at the Metropolitan Museum of Art of the giant, non-objective paintings by Clyfford Still. These consist
of great streaks and masses of color. In “Sheer Drop”, the slashing white line and the two white blobs
have a life of their own, regardless of the subject. There is an expression of instability and massiveness.
This would describe the world of the mountain goat.
Of all the American mammals, the world of the mountain goat is the most rarified and precipitous, and
yet he negotiates it with the nonchalant ease of a stroll in the park. I would be in a state of sheer
terror if I was in their position, but the goats’ bland expressions are compatible with their confidence.
They are not a true goat, but are in a special family part way to the antelopes. They also have a unique
build. To me, their movements are reminiscent of the strut of a baboon. In addition to creating the texture
of the rock, I was very absorbed by portraying the textures of their fur.
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.
