Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Springtime in the Pool (also known as Sun Reflected in Pool), 1922; watercolor and gouache on paper, 21 1/8 x 18 5/8 inches (53.7 x 47.3 cm.); Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, Gift of Mrs. Charles H. Babcock, 45.68
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, May 15, 1922
Saturday, May 15, 2021
On Saturday during our walk along the Niagara river —it came over me all at once how proud & glad I was that I was “I” — that my conception of nature was all sufficient to me — that nature in all its raw harsh uncouth beauty was worth more to me [than] all the sophisticated art of the world — that I am a pioneer, and that I must retain the courage to present nature in all its harshness & not soften it to the vulgar taste of sophistication —
Youth is a thing of the spirit — No matter what circumstances or duties or cares tend to drag you down –– youth always must be retained — The courage for experiment is a mark of youth — & seeing life as a poem is another —
The courage to see nature with the great graphic shorthand of youth — [small quick sketch of tree to left, cloud over horizon lines to right, notation below: Write down a landscape in graph…. [corner of paper missing.]
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, May 15, 1922