Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, April 29, 1948

To the country south of Boston painting.

I was not atune – but felt that I must get another day’s sketching in before Sally & Red’s visit –

I had in mind doing a sketch showing the black winter in terms of a tree fringed with yellow green buds & leaves. As usual when one is not quite ready to paint no spot or subject seems quite imitable. I drove first to Zoar Valley, but the woods I had in mind was being filled for lumber. On thru the Valley (field solid with violets) thence north to Concord Rd & then Route 39.  Eventually headed for the road that connects Trevett & Townline Rds. Parked & ate lunch. The woods here still was not suitable and I drove on to the next one. Here I determined to stay. I had great difficulty choosing a subject but finally settled on a huge old hemlock. Encumbered as I was with my preconceived idea, I made many false starts; eventually I had to abandon the start & take a new sheet – By now I was beginning to see the true possibilities of the subject. I add a clump of red trillium to the scene – Even so I fumbled for a while longer – Eventually I got really started altho all the time I felt I was not producing anything good.

Worked until 6:30 – then drove to Trevett Rd and picked a bouquet of marsh marigolds, which I had noted earlier in the day. Then drive north to the scene of Tuesday’s sketch, parked and ate my lunch then home.  Both B & M.A. enthusiastic about the sketch.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, April 29, 1948