Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Twilight Phantom, 1957; watercolor, charcoal and colored pencil on paper; Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
I never was at such disharmony with my surroundings – The mingling with the vulgarity at the office maddens me—
A rainy windy night following a hazy August day – Why can I not live as I would? Tonight I would be on the top of a lonely hill. The cricket chorus is at times broken by the wind clattering in the wet trees.
I have in mind a painting that shall be the essence of all my longings for a better, more retired & remote life; if it succeeds then mayhap I can sit and lose myself in it –
The wind & rain in the trees is the finest thing I have heard for long —
Charles E. Burchfield, August 20, 1915