Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), House and Tree by Arc Light, 1916; Watercolor and pencil, 19 7/8 x 13 15/16; Collection of Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute
Charles Burchfield, Journals, August 13, 1914
Tuesday, Aug 13, 2019
The sun is peculiarly golden just at sunset. The level rays strike the sidewalk and turns it to a sheet of gold; they strike our concrete walk in such a manner as only to light up the minute crystals in it, that sparkle.
Went out about ten o’clock to view the night, the air is wonderfully clear as is shown by the myriads of stars visible tonight, whose brilliance pierce the eye. I doubt not I could mount some high treeless hill where all is quiet, they would cast a shadow.
The “Milky Way” is plainly visible a streak of haze extending almost north & south, but a little diagonally from S.W. to N.E.
August is said to be the month of “falling stars” – I have looked up no reference on the subject – I saw three while I was standing here: short-lived streaks of molten silver. We wonder at the silence of these stars.
Charles Burchfield, Journals, August 13, 1914