Growing up in Toronto, one of Robert Bateman’s favorite springtime pleasures was watching the return of the native birds to the river valley behind his house. During this time, he would fervently sketch the different species that he saw. This was the beginning of Bateman’s lifelong education as a naturalist. After studying at the University of Toronto, Bateman taught geography and art while painting on his own in a variety of modern styles. However, in the mid-1960s, Bateman became inspired by the works of Andrew Wyeth, and from that point, he began painting more realistically. Bateman’s photo-realistic works of wildlife quickly became coveted by both collectors and naturalists.