Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Robert Bateman, Canadian Wildlife Artist
Robert Bateman
Reading Comprehension for May 24
Robert Bateman is one of the best wildlife artists in the world. Mr. Bateman's paintings capture the spirit of the animal. An eagle's profile looks proud and intense with its beady eyes searching for prey. Every detail of the bird is perfect, down to the last feather. Bateman thinks that he has the best job in the world because he can explore and have adventures in nature. His paintings are in many art museums and private collections around the world.
Mr. Bateman follows in the footsteps of a group of artists called the Group of Seven. This group originally got together around 1912 and began painting the Canadian wilderness. They traveled all over their country to paint in a bold style. Their artwork influenced how Canadians saw their country and increased their national pride. Robert Bateman originally painted abstract nature paintings inspired by the Group of Seven. Later, he tried a more realistic style. Today, his wildlife paintings are almost lifelike.
Mr. Bateman was born in 1930 and grew up in Toronto. When he was 12, his mother sent him to the Royal Ontario Museum. He joined the Junior Field Naturalists and started drawing wildlife all the time. He became a teacher, although he pursued his art on the side, and taught high school for 29 years. By the 1970s, his artwork attracted so much attention that he became a full-time artist. He traveled all over the world and became active in naturalist clubs. He has worked tirelessly to promote conservation.
