" LION HEAD "
Robert Bateman

350 Signed & Numbered Original Lithograph
10" x 12"
$220

The "king of beasts" is a legend in his own mind. He must be king, and he
must fight to prove it. Hunting is essential, but for him it is a sideline left to the
females. More oft than not, the lionesses make the kill, and the lion regularly
attempts, using his weight and strength, to beat them off the choicest bits. He
has to chase and bluff and perhaps attack other males who attempt to move in
on his pride of " wives." At times, even mating turns into a battle. But the really
serious warfare is against hyenas.

These are the ultimate enemies of all lions. Not as expert at killing for their food,
hyenas often even take advantage of a lion kill, and if they significantly outnumber
the lions, the hyenas can take over the food. Most lions don't die of old age.
When they are too old to keep their place in the pride they become isolated and
weaker, and the hyenas seem delighted to finish them off.
This old warrior has particpated in uncounted adventures. Each scar marks an
event which could have been life-threatening. But the light in his eye shows that
he has plenty more life in him yet... if he is lucky.
Robert Bateman

  

Lion Head - Robert Bateman

---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Original Prints - Lithographs 

"The process of original printmaking apeals to me because it is a human process; 
it involves no complex optical equipment other than my own eyes. I believe that
technology often separates us from nature, and I like the idea that my 
original prints are made by hand."
Robert Bateman

 

Original lithography is an art form ideally suited to the work of Robert Bateman, who appreciates the direct,
hands-on involvement this process affords an artist.Comments Bateman, " In a world steeped in technology, I admire tradition and the old methods. There is a great pleasure in making something by handand in using  skills that are hundreds of years old. "One of the reasons I enjoy printmaking is the broad range of tone and texture the process allows;I am often reminded of the old masters, particularly the etxhings of Rembrandt. I also enjoy drawing directly on the stone. It's 'tooth, 'or texture, gives a solid, warm feeling which brings to mind the ancient seas in which the rare Bavarian limestone was formed."

THE CREATION OF ORIGINAL LITHOGRAPHS

Since the process of original lithography was first developed in 1798, many great artists have made memorable original lithographs in their own distinctive style. Among them is Robert Bateman, celebrated artist and naturalist known the world over. Artists especially value the lithographic process because it faithfully reproduces their line drawings and brush strokes and offers them great creative freedom. Original lithography produces a wide range of tonal values andtextures. It is a process that requires time as well as the skilled hand of a master printer  working in concert with the artist. Collectors prize original lithographsbecause no two are ever exactly the same. 

This is because an original lithograph in not a reproduction - each is an original and unique work of art. The artist  makes separate drawings, one for each colorto be printed, directly on the working surface (commonly stone or Mylar film ) to create individual plates. An original lithograph must pass through the press onetime for each color it contains. Hand coloring may be added later. Consequently, each original lithograph possesses its own unique characteristics.These Original prints of Robert Bateman bring together a time-honored tradition and a legendary artist - one whose vision is always as original as it is compelling. 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

CLICK HERE OR IMAGE TO RETURN TO THE ROBERT BATEMAN " L " PAGE