Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Untitled (Haloed Moon), ca. 1916; watercolor and graphite on paper, 9 1/4 x 6 inches; Charles E. Burchfield Foundation Archives, Gift of the Charles E. Burchfield Foundation, 2006
When I went out to the studio to check on the furnace (which yesterday had failed to operate, the temperature in the studio being 34) – it was into a fantastically beautiful world . . . Almost directly in the south, Sirius shone clearly; and in an open space in the could blanket Orion shone in all its glory- I went in to tell Bertha about it; then it seemed to me that I must make a sketch for future use; so I “bundled up” and went out and put down a few notes- I felt keyed up, and strong, and the S.W. wind seemed mild instead of cold. Such moments are so full of happiness.
Charles Burchfield, January 23, 1962