Description
On the Pond – Wood Ducks by Robert Bateman
(15 x 22-1/2; Offset Paper; Edition Size 950; $145.00 U.S.) (16 x 24; Canvas Collection; Edition Size 350; $395.00 U.S.)
“Wood ducks are wonderful. I like everything about them and expect that everyone would
agree with me. The male must be the prettiest of all North American ducks, especially
if your taste tends to be glamorous. Many shades of green and purple iridescence vie
with each other as he turns into different angles of light. Brilliant vermillion of eye and
beak are like cherries on top of the burgundy breast. I could go on about the sky blue
of the primaries and the finely etched vermiculation on the flanks, but I would rather
turn my attention to the female. Her plumage is the softest shadings of brown, beige
and grey with subtle flashes of iridescence in certain lights. Her expression is mild and
doe-like. It would not be surprising that she is more to my particular taste than is the male.
My admiration does not stop at their appearance. I love the kind of place where they live.
I have a soft spot in my heart for swamps with the lushness, the still water, the reflections,
the complex light and the abundance of wildlife. Some of my happiest hours have been
spent in and around swamps, watching and listening. Perhaps if I am very lucky I will
hear a prothonotary warbler. But It is always a thrill to hear the shrill, questioning call
of a wood duck as a pair (virtually always a pair) takes off and swiftly, almost
miraculously, dashes between the trees and disappears. The glimpse is worth it.”
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.
