Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Eastern Goldfinch and Wild Rose" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Birds and Flowers of the 50 States, cancelled December 28, 1985.
Many people enter into the spirit of summer when they finally hear the ecstatic bursts of song from the Eastern Goldfinch. This lively bird, also known as the Wild Canary or Yellowbird, sails through the air on an ocean of joy. In summer, when the thistles reach full bloom, mating season begins. The thistledown is used by mated pairs for nest building. Thistle also provides a favorite food, and the thistle seeds are usually ripe when the young Goldfinch needs them most. Its hearty eating habits explain why it is sometimes known as the thistlebird. The Goldfinch's thistledown nest is so tightly woven that is has been known to hold rainwater. The Wild Rose of Iowa has five petals, ranging in color from deep to pale pink, and sometimes even turning white when the flower is fully expanded. The petals close protectively over the many stamens on rainy days and at night. Roses have no nectar, but they have pollen which attracts many insects. After the petals fall, the green seed receptacles, each with a crown of five sepals, swell and grow. In winter the bright red color of these berries, or hips, is most noticeable. Practical uses of Roses, besides their importance as a source of perfume, include a delicious jelly made from the hips of some Wild Rose species.
Image Size: 11 x 12.75 in.
Overall Size: 19.25 x 21 in.
Unframed.
(B09926)
Condition
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