Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Still-Life in Winter, 1951; watercolor and pencil on paper mounted on paperboard, 29 7/8 x 40 inches; Smithsonian American Art Museum Bequest of Henry Ward Ranger through the National Academy of Design 1978.56
To Whitney Museum to see “History of American Water Color Painting” exhibition. Museum closed, but I called up from the drugstore across the street, and they let me in. I had the place to myself – and enjoyed the show very much.
Then by taxi – to meet Watson at 330 W. 42nd. The driver very talkative. He told me tales of the Whitney and Vanderbilt families, and seem to take a personal pride in their great wealth, and their idiosyncrasies.
I found Watson to be a very agreeable intelligent person, and not inclined to make demands on my time or effort to assemble his article – which made me willing to help him as much as I could. We dined on the top floor (23rd) of the building his office is in.
He outlined some photographs he wants taken at my studio.
P.M. At gallery – [Frank] – shows some work by Hopper & Watkins – “Night Hawks” and Route 6, by Hopper – both in his best vein – and a portrait of a man by Watkins – superb in its analysis.
Hopper in at late afternoon, and we had a long chat.
Thurs Evening – dinner with [Frank] & Geo Olds & his son, who is in the coast guard – this was his last night of “leave” – It was fine to see him George radiated love for his son.
We had difficulty finding a picture. We all felt the choice was up to young olds, and his pick was a Cagney picture of airplanes, (but it was “standing room only there” – We wandered up and down Broadway (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and finally in desperation, settled on a double mystery bill.
Night train home.
Charles E. Burchfield. February 19, 1942