Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Autumn Twilight, 1920; watercolor, charcoal and pencil on paper laid down on board, 16 3/8 x 21 7/8 inches; Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
Charles Burchfield, Journals, October 28, 1914
Monday, Oct 28, 2019
The second of cold windy soul-bracing days. Yesterday light airy snow flurries. I have not observed much today as my mind was disturbed by futility of my efforts in my schoolwork. One impression was vivid however, and that was a dense smoke-fog that pervaded the woods beyond the Green.
Yesterday afternoon Joe, Bob, Travis & I afoot to Keller’s Exhibition at Korner & Woods. Travis & I discuss various topics agreeing, rarely, which forms the basis of whatever attraction exists between us.
Keller’s exhibit fine. He has the paganistic love of nature for her beauty - art for art’s sake. I was lost in his sea bird pictures.
Evening to Hippodrome. An evening wasted.
Today unable to concentrate. Unhappy I leave at 3:30 & meet Bob who was bewailing the loss of $3.50 worth of paint. We walk thruPark. Socialism our subject.
Twilight dark & cloudy. A cold dampish wind from south.
What beauty do I see in life now that I have lost an active interest in an afterlife. The beauty and grandeur of nature for her own sake & the joy to portray her.
Have I a soul? In so far as I am in tune with the harmonious music color and rhythmof nature losing which my soul (so called) is lost, thoughI live on externally.
Charles E. Burchfield, Oct. 28, 1914