Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, February 9, 1938

Painting under Louisiana St. Bridge - went to get the two houses I have long planned; I even set up my easel, but, tho I could not feel the rain on me, yet in a few moments the easel was wet - the wind was out of the S.W. and blew in under the bridge. Chagrined I wandered around awhile trying to get interested in something else. Finally I left & drove around from one bridge to another, but growing more bored all the time. I decided at length to go back to the Louisiana St. bridge, and at least enjoy my lunch looking out over the rain-swept canal. This I did, and fortunately, for as I sat here, the scene took a hold on me, and after lunch, I painted the whole thing in, using the glom of the bridge’s Roman arches as a framework for the canal scene.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, February 9, 1938