Don Balke: Ruffed Grouse and Purple Violet

Artist: Don Balke
1932 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1978
Image Size: 14.5 by 13.5 inches
Overall Size: 17 by 14 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

RUFFED GROUSE Bonasa unbellus
Early in March the Ruffed Grouse stirs from his mossy log roost. With much flutter, his wings beat the air and fill it like a muffled drum roll. That frightful booming roll is a love serenade and also a warning to rivals that he has staked a territory and will defend it against all comers. Known in different areas as the pheasant, partridge, and in colonial times as the woodhen, this colorful Grouse has delighted woodsmen throughout North America. For the hunter, no thrill equals that of flushing the Ruffed Grouse. Like a rocket the bird shoots out underfoot in search of new cover. A tasty meal and a challenge to bag, the Ruffed Grouse is known as the king of game birds.

PURPLE VIOLET Viola cucullata
The Purple Violet, among the loveliest plants adorning the alpine turf, is a beautiful species bearing both leaves and flowers. This five-petaled flower with heart-shaped leaves thrives in varied terrain and is a favorite ground cover in rock gardens and walkways. For centuries this plant, native to much of the world, has been the subject of poetry and legend. Napoleon favored violets for they reminded him of his beloved Josephine. Shakespeare described them as the flowers of vanishing youth. Though small in size, the violet blooms large in the hearts of flower-lovers. Understandably, New Brunswick adopted the Purple Violet as its floral emblem.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® commemorative cover for the Birds and Flowers of Canada - New Brunswick, postmarked June 30, 1978.

Artwork Copyright © 1978 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB05170

US$ Price: $1,250.00

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