Remarkably gifted as a painter and naturalist, Robert Bateman is undoubtedly the most celebrated wildlife artist working today. With quiet beauty and startling drama, this volume presents the painter at the peak of his career. Featuring more than 130 dazzling new works of art, Natural Worlds shows us how Bateman's evocative depictions of birds and animals within finely observed landscapes have redefined wildlife painting and won him the acclaim of art lovers, critics and fellow artists alike. Bateman's knowledge of the intricate relationships that characterize the natural world has long set him apart from other wildlife artists, and this understanding deeply informs Natural Worlds. A rich collection of images, truly international in scope, depicts the splendor and astonishing variety of nature — from North America's shores, forests and plains to Central America, Asia, Africa and Europe. In the fascinating text that accompanies the art, Bateman offers reflections on his work and eloquently expresses his concern for the world's threatened ecosystems. Thoughtful and breathtaking, this marvelous celebration of the beauty and diversity of life on our planet is a treasure as rich and varied as nature itself.