Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

This drawing was signed and dated a year after completion of the watercolor painting, September Road (1957-59, watercolor, 29 3/4 x 39 1/4 inches, sight), so it likely was created as a transcription to preserve the idea after the painting was sent to New York to be sold. The painting is a contrast of colors, pitting yellow and black flowers, birds, and warm breezes against a gray, cloud filled sky and a massive tree housing a spider that has ensnared an orange, spotted butterfly (possibly a Painted Lady or Fritillary. In single file, a flock of goldfinches cross the road “in autumn flight – twinkling like black – stars surrounded by a halo of light.” – Nancy Weekly