Arthur Singer (New York, 1917 – 1990) “Western Meadowlark and Wild Prairie Rose” Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 20c North Dakota: Western Meadowlark and Wild Prairie Rose stamp issued on April 14, 1982.
Western Meadowlark – The Western Meadowlark differs from the eastern variety by being paler in the streaked brown of the upper plumage and having a narrower black breast crescent. Bright yellow spreads over the cheeks and colors the underparts of the bird. When in flight, the white feathers in the short tail are very noticeable. This popular bird is a wonderful singer of long, clear, warbling melodies. He is also valued as a destroyer of harmful insects and weed seeds. Called the “Lark of the West,” he has strong legs and large feet, and makes good use of them by spending many hours each day walking through meadows and open fields in search of food. Wild Prairie Rose – The Wild Prairie Rose, with stems from six to fifteen feet long, climbs over walls and fences. It also grows in the open as a bush, with the stems growing upright for half their length, and then arching downward. Its flowers grow in a loose cluster, with more buds opening as the earlier blossoms fade. Prairie Roses are deep pink when they open, and change to white in full bloom. The Prairie Rose has underground stems, called root-stocks, which spread widely, running about a foot below the surface of the ground. With intervals between them, new shoots grow up and new roots grow down providing a new Rosebush for the world’s enjoyment.
Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in.