" RAVENS - RENCONCILIATION "
Robert Bateman

96 Signed & Numbered Giclee Canvas 19" x 48" $895
50 Signed & Numbered Giclee Canvas 23.758" x 57" $1395

 

  

"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 behaviours, 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 two Raven pieces,
a transformative new beginning we have all been hoping for.

Reconciliation - Ravnes - Robert Bateman

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