Originally published in 1981, The Art of Robert Bateman was the first of many best-selling books by the internationally acclaimed wildlife artist and naturalist. In this twenty-fifth-anniversary edition, Bateman's exquisitely rendered paintings, accompanied by the artist's recollections and observations, are presented in a stunning new volume for art lovers and nature lovers alike to enjoy.

Celebrated artist Robert Bateman is renowned internationally for bringing the natural world to life on the canvas. A naturalist and painter from his youth, Robert has for decades used his recognition to shed light on environmental issues and advocate for animal welfare. Robert Bateman: The Boy Who Painted Nature is the story of how a young child achieved his dream of painting the world around him and became one of Canada's most famous artists. Using Robert's own personal photographs, sketches and artwork, author Margriet Ruurs weaves a simple story of inspiration and encouragement. A story to motivate all the budding artists and naturalists in your life, with proceeds benefiting The Bateman Foundation.

Bateman journeys across all seven regions of Canada, and his art reflects the intrinsically Canadian beauty of the country. The paintings celebrate the history, diversity, and natural wonder. In the introductory comments for each section, Bateman explains how the land has captivated him, as an artist and as a nature lover, for decades

Robert Bateman is one of the world’s greatest wildlife artists and most committed naturalists. This exquisite collection of recent works, all reproduced here for the first time in book form, is published in honour of his eightieth birthday, and features 75 full-colour reproductions of paintings depicting both North American and international wildlife scenes. This glorious edition includes an essay by Bateman in which he shares his wisdom on nature, environmentalism, education, and the role of art in the preservation of wilderness, as well as black-and-white sketches and commentary from the artist on specific works. Bateman: New Work is an essential addition to every Bateman collection, or a satisfying introduction to the work of this revered and iconic artist.

Full of never-before-seen illustrations, Life Sketches is an inspiring and elegant portrait of Robert Bateman’s life as an artist and of his belief that “Nature is an infinite source of reason, imagination, and invention.” From one of Canada’s most beloved painters comes an intimate, visually stunning memoir of the artist at work. Internationally acclaimed artist Robert Bateman has brought the natural world to vivid life with his unique perspective. His vast body of work—spanning species as large as the buffalo and as small as the mouse—has touched millions of hearts and minds, awakening a reverence for wildlife of all kinds. Bateman is perhaps best known for his gorgeous depictions of birds in flight and in repose, images that stir in the viewer a deep appreciation of colour, form and spirit. Life Sketches is a moving journey in both words and images that, for the first time, allows Bateman’s fans full access into his creative process, detailing his singular artistic vision and the inspiration behind his iconic art. What emerges is a portrait of a young boy enchanted by the natural world around him and called to record it in his sketches and paintings. Bitten by wanderlust, Bateman travelled the world and documented his real life experiences in journals, sketches, and paintings. In Life Sketches, he recounts the evolution of his style from abstraction to realism and the events that have shaped his art into a vocation over many decades. And through it all, Bateman shows how his keen sensibilities extend beyond art, to a passion for conservation and relentless advocacy for the natural world that underpins an incredible artistic legacy. Join Robert Bateman on this personal guided tour through his life and art.

Over 90 color plates, 50 b&w illus. Orig. $50.00.