" SHEER DROP - MOUNTAIN GOATS "
Robert Bateman

950 s/n Paper 27.5" x 20" Email Price
350 s/n Giclee Canvas 40"x 30" $1195
99 s/n Giclee Canvas 48" x 36" Email-price

  

Sheer Drop - Mountain Goats

"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 colour. 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

 

Original Oil - 1980 - 48" x 36" - Sheer Drop - Mountain Goats - Robert Bateman

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