Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Grizzly Bear"

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Grizzly Bear and Redwood" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Paper painting.

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

This painting was originally published in the limited edition collection of philatelic proof cards issued by Fleetwood and the National Audubon Society for the Wildlife of the 50 States.

Food seems to be the Grizzly Bear's one passion. And, like humans, he will eat almost anything, but fish rank high on his list of edible favorites. This artwork depicts a Grizzly Bear fishing contentedly in a California stream shaded by the state's mighty Redwoods. Among Grizzlies who roam throughout California, 'might definitely makes right' and the biggest bears get the best fishing holes. As the fish move upstream, waiting Grizzlies grab them up with glee. But, since mother Grizzlies never give their youngsters any fishing lessons, their techniques vary from highly skilled to almost incompetent. If the fishing is poor, Grizzly Bears will roam the woods looking for other things to feast on. With a keen sense of smell and excellent hearing, Grizzly Bears are able to find small rodents and even bugs. Then, in the fall when they are fattened up, they retreat to cozy dens for a long winter's nap. Usually during January, newborn cubs, frequently twins, are born in the snug dens where they remain warm and toasty until spring. Then, as the snows melt, the young Grizzlies venture out in to the world. If they are lucky enough to survive their hazardous early years in the woods, they grow into massive beasts weighing up to one thousands pounds. In old age, Grizzly Bears, like old prize fighters, bear the scars of countless battles in their fierce fights for survival.

Image Size: 11.75 x 14.25 in.
Overall Size: 20.25 x 22.25 in.
Framed behind plexiglass.
(B05666)
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