Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Impressions of Lightning, July 15, 1916; watercolor on paper, 14 1/4 X 19 1/4 inches; Carnegie Museum of Art, Bequest of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Beal, 1993
Last night I dreamt I sat at a window watching a thunderstorm. Between two piles of thunder clouds I saw a crimson snake of lightning wriggle down and suddenly swoop out towards me; as I watched I felt a tremendous fear & saw it strike a distant house; the force of the explosion knocked me prostrate, & I lay stunned for several minutes. This was so realistic that I can yet experience my feeling.
Charles E. Burchfield, December 10, 1916