Description
“Reconciliation – Ravens” (original – 2004 – 24″ x 60″) by Robert Bateman
19″ x 48″ – Collector Edition Giclee Canvas – 96 Edition – $895 US Retail
23 3/4″ x 57″ – Museum Edition Giclee Canvas – 50 Edition – $1395 US Retail
* We are still exploring the possibility of a third edition printed on a different medium *
“One of the wonderful sights in the kingdom of birds is the aerial acrobatics of ravens. These are often accompanied by surprising and complex vocalizations. For years I have been trying different ways to paint these dramatic black birds. Recently I was looking through my art books and happened upon a large, soft-covered book describing the development of a single painting by Robert Motherwell. Motherwell, along with Franz Kline and Clyfford Still, is one of my favourite abstract painters. The painting in question, which was installed in the National Gallery in Washington, DC, is called “Reconciliation Elegy”. Because I am a naturalist and have been looking for a flying raven idea for years, a light popped on in my brain. I used Motherwell’s composition as a starting point and added my own photo reference and sketches to come up with the final piece. I included the word reconciliation in my title as a respectful tip of the hat to Robert Motherwell. Perhaps the ravens have had a nuptial spat and are now reconciling.” – Robert Bateman
Ravens are one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet, the highly intelligent Corvidae family, rivalling great apes and dolphins. For many indigenous cultures, the raven is a powerful symbol of creation, knowledge and transformation. Ravens are magical creatures, able to take the form of humans, animal, even in adamant objects. They are the keeper of secrets, often known as a trickster figure due to its mischief and curiosity. Ravens are also seen as a creative and cunning helper to the creator who can shape shift and bring important messages for humans. Like homo sapiens, ravens plan for the future, have exceptional memories, particularly for faces and past events. Living in complex, social groups, ravens can recognize individuals and remember relationships. Ravens engage in complex, social behaviors, such as tactical deception and comforting others after conflicts, families are formed and they stick together. With a large repertoire of distinct calls, ravens can communicate a wide range of messages. They are also skilled mimics, able to imitate various sounds, including human speech. Ravens are known throughout the world as messengers, and tricksters. Nature’s Scene is a family business and approaching 50 years. I am excited to release these tow Raven pieces, a transformative new beginning we have all been hoping for.
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.
