Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Rocky Mountain Elk" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Paper.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for the Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked January 4, 1984. A gentle mountain stream trickles through an alpine meadow fragrant with the perfume of spring flowers. Winter's cold has passed and the green of summer awakens from its deep sleep. Nature renews herself in the spring when tender seedlings sprout through last autumn's fallen leaves and pastures turn lush and green. The wilderness areas of Utah are enriched with the fresh, new life of spring and especially with the arrival of the wildlife babies. One of the most beautiful wildlife infants that roams the meadows of Utah is the Rocky Mountain Elk. Born in the early spring, the Elk calf is dappled with snowy spots to camouflage the baby in shadowy thickets where it often hides. The young elk follows its mother closely for the first months of its life for it is solely dependent upon her for food and protection. When the calf reaches four months of age, its dappled baby fur is gone, and the youngster is weaned. Young elk spend their first summer in Utah's high mountain ranges. But when the winter snows start to fall, the herds begin their annual descent from the mountainous summer homes to winter ranges in the valleys and live quietly in small matriarchal groups. After their first birthdays, yearling bulls begin to grow their first pair of antlers. By autumn the antlers reach full growth and the yearling elk join the herd as adults.

Image Size: 10.75 x 12.5 in.
Overall Size: 20 x 21.25 in.
Unframed. (B08485)

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