" GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET AND RHODODENDRON "
Robert Bateman

950 s/n Paper
12" x 15.5"
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"Because of the way the continents line up and the way they separated years ago,
there are many plants and animals common to America and Europe. In fact, the
farther north one goes, the more one finds in common. This scene could take
place in northwestern Europe or the northeastern United States.

The rhododendron is found in many parts of the world. I have seen them in the
Himalayas looking like massive trees covered with bunches of roses. It seems to
me that whereever they grow, it is beautiful country. I would expect them in
hilly areas, often with rock outcrop. There would be enough rain to give
lushness to the landscape, but at the same time there is a usually a cool,
clean quality. Surrounding a small lake in England, these rhododendrons
were so heavily laden with blossoms that some of the branches
dipped down into the water.

The golden-crowned kinglet is called the ‘firecrest’ in Europe. Both male and female
have a splash of bright vermilion down the centre. They are so tiny that they
seem like a little flower themselves except that they bounce about from twig
to twig in an energetic manner.
In this work, I wanted to show the diminutive quality of the bird by subordinating
it to the blossoms. Although the images have a delicate, feminine look, I was also
intrigued by the abstract power created by the shapes in the reflections."
 Robert Bateman

  

1982 - Acrylic - 11.5" x 16" - Golden-Crowned Kinglet and Rhododendron - Robert Bateman

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