Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), The Mysterious Bird, 1917; watercolor, pencil and charcoal on paper, 20 ¼ x 17 ¾ inches; Delaware Art Museum, Bequest of John L. Sexton, 1955
Day along Dutchman’s hill sketch — AM a snowfall — dk stagnant sky as in midwinter — snow film over grounds — over wheat — at times it ceases & strangely the sky looks like the end of a spring rain — call of blackbird or meadowlark —
At noon in the rotting woods the sun came forth dimly. The afternoon (over) in Bloodroot hollow. The brook below tinkled from the dk pine trees – the sun came & went – many birds came along feeding–
At late afternoon sun streams over the hills – a robin faces it & sings – The strange decayed gloom of Twin hollows — Mourning dove –
In the last remnant of Dusk I heard a hawk scream from Black Pine hollow
Charles E. Burchfield, April 15, 1917