Bertha and I to the Big Woods, by way of Zoar Valley – A perfect day, almost a cloudless sky – The autumnal color at its height – After a season of so much confusion and frustration, we were like two children on a Saturday ramble—exclaiming and pointing etc.
A heavy frost – dense haze – wonderful sun spokes, haze silhouettes lt blue roofs in shadow, white in sunlight, white grass; Youth implies strength, exuberance.True delicacy in art comes from strength.
After breakfast, I drove to the vats again. It was soon evident that the weather was going to change. Heavy layers of clouds swept in from the north and soon the sun was hidden.
Later on, a flush of sunlight – then dark, wind, turns to snow – at noon – thick white flurry over dead sunflowers + blooming petunias; intense white horizon –
South to the Zoar Valley & beyond on a sketching trip. First to Elma to take bicycle to be repaired, then south thru East Aurora...
"...Mighty wind. Air full of dust & leaves & birds... Dreamy sky follows; a cool air stirring breeze."
– a lowering sky – spit of rain – asking at saloon for the bus time –
Fine autumn weather— Clear skies, warm sunshine— And wonderful cool breezes from the south— A calm quietness has settled over all things. The odor of burning leaves— What intoxication it contains!
It is almost an insult to nature to go to school on such days. I long for the woods. — The woods! — I often wonder [whether] I am naturalist or artist, for the pursuit of one hinders the other— I seem always to be deciding which it shall be— Of course it must be an artist, for [I] must live, but I am hoping for a day when I can give myself entirely up to Nature.
Work on “April Snow” – Dense fog – oppressive humid weather – depressing.
This little episode had something of the mystical about it. I could hardly describe how I felt.