Chuck Ripper: San Francisco Garter Snake

Artist: Chuck Ripper
1929 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1996
Image Size: 12.5 by 14.5 inches
Overall Size: 15 by 17.75 inches
Medium: Gouache Watercolor on Masonite

The vividly-colored San Francisco garter snake is limited to a restricted area on the western part of the peninsula of San Francisco and San Mateo, California. One of 12 subspecies of the common garter snake, this harmless reptile is distinguished by yellow, red and black stripes. The slender, tapering body allows it to move quickly in pursuit of prey. All species of garter snake are somewhat dependent on water regions for their food supply, though they can occasionally adapt to terrestrial hunting. Garter snakes have a varied diet that includes toads, tadpoles and worms, and its digestive process is faster than that of other snakes. Generally, garter snakes are hardy and thrive in a variety of environments, including flat terrain and mountainous regions near streams, rivers and lakes, as well as urban parks and gardens. Unfortunately, certain subspecies, such as the San Francisco garter snake, are much more sensitive to change. Its natural habitat, including limpid pools containing fish -- its primary diet -- have been almost completely destroyed by urban development and highway construction. Each individual captured or killed increases the risk of extinction of this unique species. Today, conservationists rear the San Francisco garter snake in captivity on special farms. This species has been protected by the State of California since 1971, and by the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 1973.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. 20¢ San Francisco Garter Snake stamp issued October 2, 1996.

Artwork Copyright © 1996 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): XB15512

US$ Price: $2,000.00

Easy Purchase Plan: Buy this ArtworkOriginal with 8 monthly payments. Payments will be charged automatically as due to your Credit Card.

How to buy Original Artwork:

If you would like to buy Original Artwork, there are several convenient ways:

Use The Artwork Gallery: simply click the "Hang in Gallery" for pictures of interest. This puts the picture in your Personal Artwork Gallery, where you can view or remove it. When you've finished hanging artwork in your Personal Artwork Gallery, Go to your Personal Artwork Gallery and select an option for contacting us or ordering from us from there.

To get in touch with us directly about a piece of Artwork by Phone note the SKU and dial TOLL FREE 1-800-443-4225 from throughout U.S. and Canada.