Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Burning Stump, 1920; watercolor on paper, 26 x 18 5/8 inches; Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
Last night looking at the “Burning Stumps” I came to the conclusion that the big tree in the foreground would have to be eliminated — This was a hard decision to come by — I solved the problem by making a tracing of it, and also a lesser tree to the right, planning to mount it, and work it up as a drawing. When it was removed, the sky took on much greater power.
Charles E. Burchfield, April 23, 1965