Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Rain and Wind Thru the Trees, 1935; watercolor on paper, 20 1/2 x 29 3/4 inches; Burchfield Penney Art Center, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Armand J. Castellani, 1976
I had a dream last night that filled me with joy. I was out in the country – the countryside that belongs to my boyhood, though it was so transfigured in my dream that I know I never saw it. A rain storm was coming up. [Through] a wide low valley between two long flat rises of ground ran a winding stream; as I watched the ragged clouds dipped down suddenly to the creek, and collapsed in great torrents – I thought I am actually seeing a cloud burst. Great scattering drops of rain pounded the ground around me, lit up by a strong gleam of sunshine.
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, November 11, 1929