Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, June 9, 1939

Out again to Three-rod road to paint on the foreground.  Finish in an hour or so.

Just as I am about to leave, the wood-land scene to the east attracts me, with its raw yellow green foliage in the hot sunlight.  I hastily set up my paraphernalia, umbrella & all.  My purpose was to put down the scene as rapidly as possible, so as get the first quick impression, and avoid putting in the detail that only time & reflection permit.

When I was done, (about 4:30 – or 3:30 the proper sun-time) I was not the least tired physically, but keyed up to a high nervous tension.  To relax, I stretched out on the hot turf – How good the burning sun seemed, what joy to stretch and roll, to feel the warm good earth against my body.  I felt perfectly happy and contented; all nature seemed to smile on me; on all sides I saw the things I loved – grass, plants, bushes, insects, trees, fields, the far horizon, the hot blue sky full of dazzling sunshine.  How significant all these things seemed.  I felt as tho I had been wandering for years in strange alien lands, and had returned home at last.

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Evening take B & three youngest out to see the wild iris beds, and peony gardens on the Two-rod Rd.

The twilight hour in the country is something I have not experienced it seems for years.

Charles E. BUrchfield, Journals, June 9, 1939