Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, September 5, 1962

Dark, low-hanging clouds, very humid, heavy rain at times, with a drop in temperature (56° at noon) – 

In the morning looking at the “Orion in December” This is the rare time when a picture (for the moment at least) seems to have come to a successful conclusion, and I can sit and “watch” it, reveling in it; when as Anderson wrote in his journal, an artist is almost afraid to belief it is true that he has created something worthwhile.  While the composition was carefully thought out and each star’s position painstakingly calculated, still so much of it was unpremeditated, and subconsciously painted.  The moment of joyous satisfaction will pass, the old dissatisfaction and self-doubt will return (as it must if an artist is to grow) but now, it is wonderful to sit and glow!  I will never travel to outer space but I have in a measure brought the stars and constellations to me.  To me, they are not remote or forbidding, but something to love. 

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, September 5, 1962