George Sottung (American, 1927 - 1999) "Wildlife At a Mountain Lake" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood Mint Stamps of the World Collectors Panel for the U.N. Economic Commission for Europe stamps issued March 15, 1991. In addition to breathtaking scenery, mountains have a major impact on the climate and state of civilization in the regions in which they are found. Mountains catch prevailing winds, and terrain on the windward side of mountains receives plentiful rainfall, while terrain on the leeward side is more arid. The colder climate of mountainous areas is less conducive to large human populations or agriculture, and therefore mountain habitats produce a diversity of flora and fauna. Their tundra regions provide short grazing grasses which feed wild goats and sheep, while mountain ponds teem with fish, beaver and marten. The coniferous forests provide safe havens for birds, squirrels and deer while furnishing through photosyntheses rich supplies of life-giving oxygen. Mountains and their surrounding terrain provide some of Earth's most majestic vistas, support a variety of wildlife and remain vitally important to the planet's environmental health. Image Size: 16.25 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 17.25 in. Unframed. (B13159) See More