Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), The Promise of Spring, 1956; watercolor and charcoal on paper laid down on board, 40 x 27 inches; Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
So much is an artist’s mentality wrapped up in his work that the least perversion in his makeup will be expressed in his art. To express the true beauty, lower & wildness of nature, the vital conflict of life that takes place there, his own mental life must be exactly like it; there must be a calm seriousness about his thoughts that control all his passions and desires, which must be normal.
Charles Burchfield, March 24, 1920