Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Flight of Blackbirds at Dawn, 1916; watercolor on paper, 14 x 20 inches; Private collection, Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
A heavy fog at morning – Green lawns blend to light blue mists – Cleared by noon – Bright sunlight – A strong blue atmosphere; objects in middle ground a distinct flat blue – Tree birds spotting against sky – away from sun they gleam against the blue as brilliant white spots – Call of Flicker resounds in the air – Bushes spotted with yellow flowers are small new leaves – Many trees as in winter yet – (elm oak beech) a plum tree in bloom –
Golden sunset – a peculiar blue haze comes up at the afterglow.
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, April 28, 1916