Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

On December 2, 1947, Charles Burchfield made the following notation in his journal: “All morning on unpacking & ‘dismantling’ pictures— A dark damp day, threatening rain.  P.M. Sketch (outdoors) of Cottrell’s backyard, with the little red chicken coop featured.” This may have been the day he started the composition for Winter Sun and Backyards, looking from his own backyard into his neighbor’s yard to capture the beautiful pattern of sun rays across the sky and snow. The distinctive green roof of the Cottrell’s home anchors the background, while lacy tree patterns and the shadows they cast dominate the painting.

Nancy Weekly