Brian Bateman
His interest began as a child growing up in Dayton, Ohio. His best friend began showing him drawings of airplanes that he drew off of model box tops and that was it. Brian immediately began to draw aircraft and since then has not looked back. He became enthused with model building, dioramas, and research books---anything and everything Brian could get on the subject of WWII.
It helped that Brian lived in an area where aviation was at the forefront, most notably Wright-Patterson AFB and its wonderful museum.
I remember having my father take me there almost once a week for awhile, until I could get my driver's license to go there myself. I would spend countless hours looking at not only the planes, but the paint, rivets, wheel wells; anything you can imagine. I also remember studying and reading everything I could get my hands on regarding military aviation; in particular the Luftwaffe.
Brian also remembers the first time he saw an aviation painting. It was in his junior year in high school; a Robert Taylor painting of The Battle of Britain. How wonderful he thought, to be able to paint scenes such as these and make a living out of it. The dream was cast, but was there a market out there for this small, select subject?
In the late 1980s Brian moved to San Diego California, a state where there are many vintage planes and restoration facilities available, not to mention near-perfect weather all year around.
In 1995 his first aviation painting, Shadow of the Moon, was well received, and Brian went to print with it. The painting continues to be one one his best sellers and a personal favorite. Another favorite is Topaz One, one of his latest releases, as it depicts a personal friend, Bruce Porter, and his Hellcat over Okinawa in late 1945.
Brian started Bateman Galleries the same year, trying to make a well-rounded business out of his love for aviation and for art in general. The gallery has grown over the years to include many facets of his art, and not just aviation. Brian has since released 6 prints on the market and continues to strive to produce quality work at a level where others can enjoy it. His edition sizes remain small, at 250, to increase collectability and to have a better market value.
Brian has opened this web site to expand on his vision of having his art reach more people. The site showcases his many talents and diverse styles, from aviation to military history, to wildlife and the human figure.
I realize that there are many wonderful artists working in the aviation field today: Ferris, Taylor, Trudgian, Grinnell, and Crandall have been some of my personal favorites over the years for many reasons. One of the thrills I have had was meeting Robert Taylor. I remember that not only was he a super talent, but one of the nicest guys I have met. I think a well-rounded sense of one's self is just as important as one's talents.
Please visit and view his many print releases along with his original art for those who are interested in collecting for investment.
Brian is a participant of the CAF - Air Group One in San Diego, and has been privileged to have met many of the subjects in his paintings.
He lives in San Diego with his family and two pets. His wonderful support from all his family, friends, and relatives are an inspiration and sense of stability.
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