Robert Bateman was always fascinated by art and nature as a child growing up in Toronto, Canada where he was born in 1930. He would record the sightings of all of the birds in the vicinity of his house. Although he loved art also, he never intended for it to be his livelihood but rather a hobby instead to balance out his life.

His choice of vocation was that of teaching. In 1954, he graduated with a degree in geography from Victoria College in the University of Toronto and then he attended Ontario College of Education. With his degrees he then became a high school art/geography teacher. Still in his spare time he would continue to paint. Robert also traveled around the world by Landrover during the year of 1957-58. In addition he taught high school in Nigeria, Africa from 1963- '65.

But by the 1970's and 80's, his paintings began to receive major recognition. In 1987 he had a show at the Smithsonian institution in Washington, D.C. where a record breaking crowd turned out to view his work. He has also been an active member of many naturalist and conservation organizations. Because of his involvement reaching a global scale he has become a spokesman for many environmental, preservation and political issues. He has used his artwork and limited edition prints in many fundraising efforts which have provided millions of dollars for these worthy causes. He has also received many honors and awards for his art and work in environmental causes.

Robert Bateman's philosophy of his life can be summed up by his quote, "I can't conceive of anything more varied and rich and handsome than the planet Earth. Its crowning beauty is the natural world. I want to observe it and to understand it as well as I can. And then I'd like to put it together and express it in my painting. This is the way I want to dedicate my life." Enjoy some of his beautiful paintings below.