Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Brook Trout" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis have a maximum weight of about 14-1/2 pounds and length of 31 in. Brook trout are the most strikingly marked of any of the salmonids. On the top of the greenish colored back and extending slightly down the sides are snail-trail-like markings: wavy lines called vermiculations. The tail is squared off with no forked appearance. The mouth is large with the maxillary extending past the margin of the eye. Brook trout are native to the East. High elevation lakes and streams are the brook trout's usual haunts with rare populations outside the mountainous areas. Few artists can capture the romance and artistry of fly fishing like Don Balke -- one of America's finest wildlife artists. In the captivating work of art shown here, Balke is at his best, depicting a glistening brook trout in pursuit of a smaller fish. Raised in rural Wisconsin, Balke's affection for fish and fishing is apparent in the sheer grace and beauty shown in this compelling scene. Image Size: 18.75 x 10 in. Overall Size: 18.75 x 16 in. Unframed. (B12475) See More