Art Quote to Ponder!

Art is an aspect of God and there is only one God, but different people see Him in different ways. Though He is always the same He doesn't always look the same... (Emily Carr)

"Echo of Amboseli"

Very soon The Art of BAS will launch the Echo Project which will highlight the invaluable research work of the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. The research is lead by Cynthia Moss, the worlds foremost expert on elephants, and the research team are based in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Echo is the name of the matriarch of one of Amboseli's elephant herds, she's a distinguished lady with several BBC documentaries to her name! BAS spent some time with the researchers in the field and the resulting painting "Echo of Amboseli", together with Fine Art Canvas Limited Editions, will be sold to raise funds for the vital work of the Amboseli Trust for Elephants.

Save the Tiger!

This is a photo of a Bengal Tiger that I was fortunate the see in Bandhavgarh National Park, India. It's not easy taking photo's when on the back of a nervous elephant!

The Bengal Tiger is amongst the most beautiful yet endangered of the worlds big cats. To see such an animal in the wild is truly an awe inspiring privilege and surely a treasure to be guarded for future generations. Many of India's National Parks and Tiger Reserves have now relinquished their tigers to poachers and loss of natural habitat, this represents a sad betrayal of the National treasure and it is an urgent need for the nation to act decisively to preserve the Bengal Tigers existence in the wild.

There are many dedicated people and organizations trying to save the tiger from extinction in the wild, they can always benefit from our support in whatever possible way we can lend them a hand - for the sake of the beautiful tiger!

What is an Artist Proof?

The above painting, "The Crossing", resulted from a wonderful research trip in Yellowstone National Park, USA. Yellowstone is an excellent location for North American big game and bison in particular are in healthy numbers within the Park. The painting comes from an area called Haydn Valley, where Yellowstone River winds gently through the landscape and the waters are shallow enough for wildlife to easily cross over to new pastures.

Here's another term within the world of Fine Art which often needs clarification:

An Artist Proof is a Fine Art reproduction intended for the artist's personal use. It is common practice to reserve approximately ten percent of an edition as artist's proofs, although this figure can be higher. The artist's proof is sometimes referred to by it's French épreuve d'artist (abbreviation E.A.). Artist's proofs can be distinguished by the abbreviation AP or E.A., commonly on the lower left of the work.

With modern printing, artists proofs are not better quality prints than the regular edition, however they are desirable to many serious collectors in that there are fewer signed in this way, making them even more valuable. Each Fine Art Artist Proof produced by The Art of BAS is personally signed and numbered by the artist.

Quote of the Day!

"Art seems to me to be a state of soul more than anything else." (Marc Chagall)

Something to ponder on!

What is a Certificate of Authority?

Sometimes the art world has certain terms which may not be obvious to the general public, one such term is "Certificate of Authority", so here's a definition to help clarify things:

A Certificate of Authority is a statement of authenticity of a Fine Art Limited Edition reproduction that states the title of the work, the prints number within the edition, the number of artist's proofs and the release date. It guarantees that the edition is limited and that the image will not be published again in the same form. Each Fine Art Limited Edition that The Art of BAS produces comes with this Certificate personally signed and numbered by the artist.

Two Brothers Movie Painting.

Two Brothers - Ancient Rites is part of The Art of BAS Tiger Project, raising funds for tiger conservation through the sales of the Original Oil Painting, Fine Art Canvas Limited Edition and Fine Art Paper Limited Edition. The majority of the Tiger Project revenue supports the vital work of world-renowned tiger researcher Dr. Raghu Chundawat.

It's an honor to be associated with the Pathe´/Universal movie Two Brothers, raising awareness of the tiger's plight and necessary funds for tiger conservation through his Two Brothers - Ancient Rites artwork. The movie was directed by Jean-Jacque Arnaud, director of other films such as Seven Years in Tibet, Enemy at the Gates and The Bear. Jake Eberts produced the movie following on from much acclaim gained through producing Dances with Wolves, the Killing Fields, and other well known titles.

I ventured out to the film location at Angkor Wat, Cambodia, so as to place the stars of the movie within the setting of the temples. One of the challenges of creating such a painting was to somehow portray the tiger cubs in a way that displayed their individual characters. Hopefully this was conveyed in the final composition together with the mystique of the ancient surrounds. Two tiger cubs begin their foray within the ruins of an ancient temple. The more adventurous of the brothers has his attention aroused by a resting butterfly. The other more passive brother prefers to observe matters from afar while his sibling leads the way.

The painting also depicts an ornate figure from Ta Phrom Temple, Angkor Wat, Cambodia. The Temple was built around 900 AD by the Kmer Kingdom, later to be reclaimed by the encompassing jungle.

Two Brothers - Ancient Rites is available as a Fine Art Canvas Limited Edition and Fine Art Paper Limited Edition.

What's my favorite wildlife subject to paint?

There are so many wonderful subjects to paint in the world of wildlife and nature, an endless variety. So far I've has painted diverse subjects from many different parts of the world. Usually I'd say that the big cats with their mixture of beauty, grace and raw power, are a preference to paint but many other creatures draw my artistic attention. The big game of Africa, elephants and rhino especially, are also a delight to study and paint. Then there is sea life, whales and dolphins within their water environment, fantastic subjects for any artist. Bird life draws the artists eye too, from the grandeur of the eagle to the splendor of the kingfisher, again the subjects are almost limitless! As is apparent, I find inspiration to paint from all varieties of wildlife and their varied habitats, creation certainly displays a vastness of both and holds much to marvel at by any open eye.

Limited Edition?

I'm often asked what exactly a Limited Edition print is, hope the following is helpful:

Limited Edition - Set of identical prints numbered in succession and signed by the artist. The total number of prints if fixed or "limited" by the artist who supervises the printing. All additional prints have been destroyed.

A Limited Edition Print is one in which a limit is placed on the number of prints produced in a particular edition, in order to create a scarcity of the print. Limited Editions are signed and numbered by the artist. Once the prints in the edition have been sold out, the printing plate or digital file is then destroyed by the Printmaker in order to maintain the integrity of the limited edition. The image will not be published again in the same form.

The Art of BAS follows the strict standards adhered to by the Fine Art Printing Industry, assuring the collector that each Fine Art Limited Edition is unique and produced to the highest of standards.

Camera use for reference material?

It's a real pleasure taking photographs during my numerous research trips in the wilderness areas of the world. These photographs are valuable reference material for my paintings, alongside sketches and plein air paintings. I view the camera as simply an extension of my artistic eye, being able to instantly evaluate the compositional potential of a scene a camera then becomes a simple artistic tool to capture the image.

At the moment I'm still using slide film, haven't gone digital yet! There's no doubt that in a year or two I'll finally succumb to the digital age. Slides offer optimum light and colour quality, sharpness too, but the logistics of carrying 100 rolls of film across continents can be a burden at times. Digital cameras have very sensitive sensors that are vulnerable to fine dust and extreme temperatures, however, with much care I'm sure most of the problems can be overcome.

Maybe in a while I'll be sharing some digital experiences here but in the meantime here's a slide photo from one of my African safaris.

The Art of BAS Brochure.

The Art of BAS Brochure comprises of 54 pages of my paintings and related writings, it has a soft cover and is in full colour. The Brochure provides a good insight into my artwork and associated adventures around the world, enjoy the artists' journey!

The Brochure was published in 1998 and includes many of the paintings that are displayed on my website. Also included within the Brochure are writings that relate to my adventures and particular vision as a Contemporary Artist. There are further quotes from famous authors and people from times past until present day, such as: William Shakespeare; Vincent Van Goch; Picasso; Dante; William Blake; Karen Blixen; Tennyson; John Muir; Albert Einstein; William Wordsworth; George Washington Carver; and biblical writers amongst others.

American Advenures!

Having been to the USA many times with my work there is much to share about the natural treasures to be found across that beautiful land. Here's a brief sharing of my experiences which are elaborated more fully on my website:

"The United States of America has a great variety of environments, from the sub-tropical everglades of Florida to the Arctic region of Alaska, from the deserts of Arizona to the North West coast rainforest. I consider myself very fortunate to have traveled extensively across this fine land.

Such diversity is to be expected on a continent, but there is always the unexpected in the natural world. Wilderness allows for the unexpected, the untamed wild has a freedom which is not predictable neither is it abandon. Rather, it is a true expression of freedom that runs to the rhythm of a known law, blown by the unseen winds, it spreads its wings under the canopy of benevolence. As the eye sees the effect of the changing winds and the ear hears the rustling of the leaves, freedom is shared and the soul is stilled by the whisper of the Creator's voice.

Natural things speak of the invisible and we become partakers of the divine. This is the mystery of nature, what is seen was not made out of what is visible.

Every natural object is a conductor of divinity - John Muir

Day after day they pour forth speech. Night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world - Psalm 19.

There is a balance in nature which in its purity is a teacher to all and time at its feet is well spent. The learned glean the essence of life, to do otherwise is to despise life itself.

Come forth into the light. Let nature be your teacher - William Wordsworth

The vast domain of Alaska ensures adventure and many wonders. Whooping cranes fly South against the backdrop of Denali's Mount McKinley, reflected in the calm waters of the plateau lake.

Autumn colours provide a glorious carpet across the valleys, one night's chill beckons Winter and dispels the colour to Fall's wane of umber and ochre. Massive grizzly bears, with thick bleached coats, roam the ridges while devouring berries and ground squirrels, increasing poundage to insulate Winter's long hibernation. On the heights a bachelor group of Dall sheep claim the mountain slopes as a golden eagle soars above, transcending the summit. The bald eagle shares the sky and eyes its territory as would any patriotic herald.

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn - John Muir."

Movie Painting!

Some time ago I created my second Movie related painting but this was with a difference - the main subject was the historical figure of Queeen Esther instead of my more familiar wildlife! The epic motion picture "One night with the King" was recently shown in movie theatres across the USA and is now available on DVD, produced from the writings of Tommy Tenney (http://www.8x.com/onenight/ ).

This inspirational movie depicts the story of Esther and King Xerxes, historically accurate and dramatic in portrayal. The movie stars Luke Goss and Tiffany Dupont in the lead roles, together with Peter O'Toole, Omar Shariff, Tom "Tiny" Lister, John Rhys-Davies, and John Noble. My painting of Esther is now hanging within The Arrow Project (www.arrow.org) in Texas, USA, supporting the wonderful work of that organisation as they place children within loving foster homes.

Biography Introduction.

Here follows a brief Biography introduction from my website, the full account can be read at www.BAS-ART.com:

"BAS is one of the worlds most highly acclaimed wildlife and nature artists within fine art . The Art of BAS receives worldwide recognition from museums, galleries, critics and collectors alike.

An innate sense of fine art design and composition, emphasizing light and colour, is utilized to create an original BAS oil paintings. Inspiration is gained through extensive adventures in wilderness areas around the globe, the artist then captures the wonder and beauty of creation on canvas . BAS' paintings are included in three books entitled "Best of Wildlife Art", published in the USA.

The Art of BAS has been privileged to benefit Charitable Foundations and BAS hopes that his fine art can be used to further promote environmental concerns. It is the artists' pleasure to share his unique vision with others through The Art of BAS.

His style of contemporary realism combines the truth of nature with his own personal vision as it accentuates colour, light and abstract form. BAS strives to be an originator rather than an imitator - to say something new to the observer - Wildlife Art Magazine, USA... ."

The Art of the Artist!

"Art - Inspired by nature, born of the soul." (Hap Hagood)

"Art arises when the secret vision of the artist and the manifestation of nature agree to find new shapes." (Kahlil Gibran)

I agree with the above quotes, especially being a painter of wildlife and nature myself. Inspiration has to have a source and the unlimited bounty of God's creation provides an endless source of inspiration to fuel the souls creativity.

As an artist I believe that it's important to maintain your own personal vision, that unique gifting which has been given to the artist alone. One can grow in understanding and experience through painting and all that life brings, but essentially it is important to keep your vision pure and not to be too influenced by others. As a result you can be sure that whatever you create will be true to your given talents and will have the undoubted stamp of originality. It's good to be original in this age of mass duplicity!

Echo of Amboseli.

This is a photograph that I took of some of Amboseli's elephants, they are a part of Echo's family.

Eighteen months ago I visited Kenya for the specific purpose of seeing the world's most well known elephant - Echo. She's the matriarch of a herd within Amboseli National Park, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The BBC have filmed several documentaries about Echo and her family, the most recent film showed her giving birth to her youngest calf, Espirit. Now at the grand old age of late sixties Echo continues to b a remarkable lady, holding the family together through the changes of time.

It was a special opportunity to be with Echo and an added privilege since I was able to spend some time with the researchers of Amboseli Trust for Elephants (Elephant Trust) who have followed Echo and the many other elephant herds of Amboseli for over thirty years. Their indepth studies have been at the fore of elephant research and are invaluable to aid the future well being of this magnificent creature of the African plains.

How wonderful it is to be able to move amongst the herd accepted as one of them, albeit in the safety of a 4x4 landcruiser! My time gathering reference material was rewarding and enabled me to create an oil painting entitled "Echo of Amboseli", the proceeds of the original and Limited Edition reproductions will assist the dedicated work of the Trust. Very soon the painting will be displayed on my website and I trust it will greatly benefit the Elephants of Amboseli and further afield.

Tiger Conservation.

I've had the great privilege of being with tigers in the wild, sadly this experience maybe lost forever if something isn't urgently done about the tigers desperate plight. Here's an extract about The Art of BAS Tiger Project, I hope that it is informative for you and also places concern for the tiger on your heart:

"We invite you to participate in preserving the future of the tiger. The Art of BAS Tiger Project is raising much needed funds for tiger conservation through the sales of the Two Brothers - Ancient Rites Original Oil Painting, Fine Art Canvas Limited Edition and Fine Art Paper Edition. Now is the time for us to act if we are to guarantee the survival of this magnificent animal. The majority of the Tiger Project revenue will support the vital work of world-renowned tiger researcher Dr. Raghu Chundawat, India.

"My research on tiger is part of a collective international effort to save wild tigers in their natural habitats. The Art of BAS Tiger Project will greatly help our efforts to save this endangered beauty of nature, the tiger, and its home in the Tropical Dry Forest of India. We work in these forests where the tiger is most vulnerable and which deserve the primary attention of the conservation community." (Dr. Raghunandan Singh Chundawat)

BAS is honoured to be associated with the Pathe´/Universal movie Two Brothers, raising awareness of the tiger's plight and necessary funds for tiger conservation through his Two Brothers - Ancient Rites artwork."

A taste of Adventure!

Here's an extract from my Namibian Safari, it can be read in full on my website:
"Namibia is a country that has so much of the unique African experience yet with a distinctiveness all of its own.This is a huge land, bordered by South Africa in the South, Botswana to the East, Angola the North, and the cold Atlantic Ocean on its Western flank. On arriving at Windhoek a few hours drive to Mt.Etjo Game Reserve made a welcome first port of call for the Namibian Safari.

A late afternoon game drive was highlighted by time spent with a white rhino and her eight month old youngster. Such delightful company in the evening light, so evocative of Africa, made the long journey immediately worthwhile. Tracking a large bull white rhino on foot was an exciting challenge, the bush was thick and the importance of remaining down wind from the rhino was emphasized as each step brought the massive bulk closer and closer. Other wildlife observed included a nyala antelope and baby, black sable, roan antelope, giraffe, kudu, an elephant pushing down a tree with consummate ease, and a pair of pale-chanted goshawks hunting for yellow mongoose... ."

Everytime I think of Africa I long to be there again. It's a Continent that floods the senses and always provides much inspiration - I think it's time to plan the next safari!

Quote of the day!

"Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life." (John Lubbock)
Hope your life is colored today!

What paint medium do I prefer to use?

In creating my artwork I prefer to use oil paints for particular reasons. Oil paint is very rich in colour whilst remaining true to nature rather than manufactured/synthetic. I always use "Artist" quality oil paint to create an original painting, this being the finest of mediums for longevity and purity of colour. Usually I don't use any additional mediums with the oil paint, preferring the consistency of the paint straight from the tube.

I'm a firm believer that an artist will gravitate towards a preferred medium which seemingly suits his disposition as well as satisfying his artistic vision. There's a wonderful array of mediums at hand these days to tackle any form of subject matter, it's good to experiment and see which medium enhances your stengths and minimizes your weaknesses. It'll come down to personal choice at the end of the day, hopefully that choice will enable the artist to create original artwork that continues to inspire the artist and onlookers alike.

A breath of fresh air!

Amidst the busyness of life much of our time is spent within the confines of four walls or traffic, as a result it's essential to breakaway whenever possible and head for the great outdoors. Although most of my days are spent at the easel here in my studio I am thankful for the many opportunities I've had to get away from it all and be in some vast expanse of wilderness. Although a beach boy at heart it is a real pleasure to experience diverse locations with their own unique environment, Alaska is one such place I've been privileged to visit.

My first excursion to this magnificent most Northerly State was during winter, the minus 30 degrees was enough to freeze the oil paint and the artist! Being in the wild refreshes my soul and my creativity too, it's a vital element to my work for that reason and also for gathering reference material. Paintings that resulted from my visits to Alaska are "Winter Retreat" and "Noble Eagle", memories etched in my soul and recreated onto canvas.

When I'm not in a far off place I try to get fresh air whenever possible, mostly I'll walk the beach and coastline on my doorstep, ever the beach boy! I love the sound of waves breaking and birds along the shore, it's a healthy place to be. Let's make sure to make room in our days to take a breath of fresh air, it's time well spent and investment for our future wellbeing.

Slideshow of my Paintings.

This is just a brief slide show of some of my paintings, to see many more artworks please visit my website at www.BAS-ART.com - hope you enjoy!

Ever thought about an elephant!?

Having recently completed an elephant painting for an important
Conservation Project , I can't help just thinking more about this amazing creature. Six tonnes of sheer mass, elongated trunk , protruding tusks, with relatively tiny eyes and huge flapping ears, walking on tip toes! If you had never seen an elephant before, such a description would really get your imagination working over time. However, when you spend some time with these magnificent creatures you soon realize the wonder of their make up. There is a hint a humour in their creation but undoubted marvel in their complexity and innate abilities - maybe we can look at ourselves in a similar way!

Chase the Light!

Sometimes you have to "go the extra mile" for something worthwhile, catching the light usually requires determination to be at the right place at the right time. There have been many examples during my career as a wildlife and nature artist when I've traveled thousands of miles and made arduous journeys at all hours of day and night just to put myself in a place where it's worth all the effort. One such time was while in Luangwa National Park, Zambia, waking before dawn and reaching the Luangwa River moments before sunrise. Having cleared a cobra from the hide overlooking the river it was prime time for viewing a hippo pod only a stones throw away. In a moment the river ablazed with the pre-sunrise colours that only Africa can display. It was as if the river was molten lava as the elements of light and water mixed together for the awakening of the day. Awake myself, it was well worth chasing the light, inspiration catching the moment and being portrayed in "Riverhorse Dawn".

To paint such unique moments as these is truly a privilege and I would always encourage chasing the light, the experience may be fleeting in time but it's effect endures within and without as it's expressed with paint on canvas .

Journeys into the Wild

There's nothing much better than being out in the wild, being under open skies and feeling the breeze, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Over the years I've spent a lot of time journeying to wilderness areas around the world, such journeys provide the inspiration for my
paintings and also refresh my creative spirit. Some of these journeys are shared in the
"Adventures" section of my website, giving a little insight into my experiences beyond the studio.

The Art of BAS Journal

Welcome to my journal, it's good to share my studio time with you and to open up the creative process together. As a painter of
wildlife and nature I gain much inspiration from the amazing creation that surrounds us. There is much in the world that saddens the heart but it's important to turn on the light and overcome the darkness. I hope that my artwork plays a part in bringing light to the fore, I'm grateful for the ability to see the light and receive inspiration to portray my vision on canvas .

For more insight into my artwork please visit my website at www.Bas-Art.com and you're welcome to contact me here on this journal or by any other means.