Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, September 15, 1962

September 15 – Saturday –

A “perfect” September day – cloudless sky – warm sunlight but pleasantly cool in the shade – garden mart man, putting in evergreens etc.

A.M. – alone to do food shopping –

The Samples arrived about 2:00 –

A very stimulating visit – they are “alive” and sensitive to art and life –

They brought us a gift – The “La Vin Herbe” by Frank Martin –

After a long and animated conversation in the house we went out to the studio, where I showed them some of my recent work – It was a pleasure showing to them for they not only understood what I was trying to express, but were enthusiastic too –

“Orion in Winter” (Should it after all be called “The Heavens Declare” and the Sunburst one “October Sunburst”?) Jim said it actually seemed to be moving, which was one of the things I aimed at –

“Heat Lightening” – it was the beginning of the world
“August Sun and Corn” – Jim, “That sun – how is it possible to make a sun glow with heat and sunlight?”
“The Sun and Queen Anne’s Lace” Earnestine “a little girl’s view of a field of Queen Anne’s Lace under a summer sun.”
“November” Both – the contrast of urban and primordial life – They admitted that the rural life was in the foreground, but the enormous Spruce, made it primeval.
“Thunderstorm in the Woods” “How is it possible for an artist to have so many facets?”
“Thunderstorm at Sunset” – One of the greatest –

Etc. – And I must confess I loved it – and I am glad I do!

Before they left we made a date to visit them two weeks from today –

About supper-time Hank and Tom over to do the lawn. Hank tried to fix the tone arm on the player in the studio, but he said it looks to him as the needles were “cock-eyed” and he could do nothing.

In the evening I played a portion of the “La Vin Herbe” – It is fascinating and I think we all like it as we get acquainted, but it has to be taken in small doses – Some time it has a feeling of Sibelius – So I turned to Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony – what a glorious flood of sound! It is timeless – And with it is the Egmont Overture.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, September 15, 1962