Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), White Birch (a.k.a. White Pine and Birch, Birch Tree and Houses), 1937; watercolor on paper, 20 1/2 x 29 1/2 inches; Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
Very cold — (+5◦) — a clear brilliant day — Both of us up at 7:00 — before the sun came up, white vapors arising from the creek — collecting on the trees and bushes in the form of white frost —
A.M. — in studio working on the 1917 Globe Skating Rink picture — Originally the sketches had large white flakes of snow in front of the building, but now it seemed as if they interfered with the picture, so I eliminated them —
As I came into the house, I heard the cardinal singing — I answered him and him came to the pines trees singing excitedly — so today must be considered the first day of spring — (or should I say as of old “Vorfruhling” —?)
Evening music — Haydn’s Symphony #39 —
(in the margin: cardinal sings for the first time)
Charles E. Burchfield, February 10, 1964