Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Spring Thunderstorm aka Spring Shower, 1955; Watercolor and charcoal on joined paper, 29 7/8 in. x 40 1/8 inches; Akron Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Mary S. Huhn, Mrs. Dorothy S. Steinberg, and Mr. John F. Seiberling, Jr. in memory of their father, Mr. J. Frederick Seiberling 1964.11
Day development to 1st Spring Thunderstorm –
Cool windy [CD] – with wind comes heat + haze – great sweeping sky; horizon milky blue
Big wind fairly roars across land; maples const red glow in violet woods; brick (one kind) blooming – Hot white south –
Storm approaches at late dusk – a curved solid mass of cloud – blue grey whitish edge – from N.W. Moon in southeast surrounded by peculiar orange glow + fades away – lightning plants visions of black houses up against sky – wind + rain come in a furious rush – rain spray whitens streets – lightning from N. lights up houses – Rages 2 hrs. Afterwards – The sound of waterfalls in the air –
Picture –
Maples, birches, Cottonwoods in speckled bloom; flowers up; hot white wind from southwest – followed, after a haze moonrise by a terrific thunderstorm