Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Fawn" Signed lower left. 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 First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Smokey Bear stamp issued August 13, 1984. The brightness of the sun creeps up slowly over the horizon, and only the very tips of the spruce are touched by the soft glow of the morning sun. This mom is special, for a doe has just given birth to a baby deer, or fawn. Within hours of entering the world, the young one is struggling to stand next to its mother, to rise up and view the world on four wobbly legs. With a proud motherly nudge, the doe caresses the beautiful coat of the newborn . . . and then leans aside and disappears into the brush. The fawn is left safe in its hiding place, although the mother never strays very far. A rich coat of ginger dappled with white spots makes the baby nearly invisible, for the camouflage blends well with the natural surroundings. For now, the doe will suckle her fawn . . . but soon, the young deer will begin to sample the tender plants of the forest floor. Exploring its world, the curious fawn will certainly meet some of its forest friends. Image Size: 12 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B07871)