Famed Canadian artist Robert Bateman recalls a life dedicated to art, environment

As far back as he can remember, Robert Bateman has been enthralled with the wonder of nature, sketching and painting it whenever he could. 

Bateman's new memoir Life Sketches charts his career from a budding artist who loved nothing more than being outdoors, to an internationally-known force and champion of the environment.

"I don't think I have changed since I was 12," the Victoria-based artist told CBC Radio host Alan Neal. "I was a serious bird watcher and a serious artist, in my own mind."

'Ouch' moments recalled

A prolific painter and fervent environmentalist, Bateman is also one of Canada's most commercially-successful artists. His realistic depictions of animals in the wilderness have appeared on countless posters, calendars and coffee table books.

Bateman's work has been embraced by nature lovers around the world, but he confided he's also been stung by criticism from the artistic establishment.

In his memoir, the artist recalls the "ouch" moment he experienced when another admired artist, Alex Colville, dubbed Bateman's work "less interesting than a photograph." Ouch indeed.

Bateman will be signing copies of Life Sketches this evening at the Kanata Costco.