Skip Whitcomb (American, B. 1946) "Summer Garden Flowers - Rose" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 29c Rose stamp issued April 28, 1994. "When the sea created the beautiful, dew-sparkling Venus . . . the earth, in its part, gave birth to this lovely plant, a new masterpiece of nature . . . majestic on her thorny column, this immortal flower." One of the earliest known descriptions of the Rose was given in this ode written by the Greek poet Anacreon during the 5th century B.C. And fossilized specimens formed millions of years ago further attest to this flower's lengthy existence. It has been theorized that the Rose originated in central Asia and eventually spread eastward to North America and west to Asia Minor and Europe. In fact, a number of species that were grown centuries ago continue to appear in modern gardens. In America, as well as in many other countries worldwide, Rose exhibitions and competitions give amateur rosarians ample opportunities to learn more about their favorite flower and perfect their growing skills. One estimate revealed that more than 50 million Americans enjoy cultivating Roses and that these gardeners purchase 100 million Rose plants annually. In addition to their beauty, these popular blooms are also used to decorate windbreaks. Climbing varieties are known to quickly cover walls and thrive in conditions where more delicate plants cannot. Regardless of its use, the time-honored Rose continues to be the centerpiece in gardens all over the world. Image Size: 15.25 x 13 in. Overall Size: 18 x 15 in. Unframed. (B14713)