Robert Bateman Cardinal and Sumac paper print. Celebrate the colours of Canada and the Fall with this gorgeous art piece from Internationally renowned artist Robert Bateman. One of the ideas behind Cardinal and Sumac was inspired by a Smithsonian Museum display of an authentic East Indian village, complete with villagers going about their daily business. I was strolling through when, all of a sudden, a villager wearing a flaming red turban walked past a rich, terra cotta coloured wall. I was struck by the red-on-red vision – it just sizzled. I knew then, I would someday paint a cardinal in sumac. Most North Americans have the opportunity to see cardinals in their own backyards. The cardinal, however exotic in colour, is one of our most familiar favourites. I like the idea of the cardinal as a representative for Earth Day; it is appropriate that a backyard favourite represent our need to incorporate environmental action into our own backyards.” – artist Robert Bateman
