Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

And that brings me to my ever present dilemma: which do I love most painting or writing? At school this winter more or less shut indoors by the weather painting seemed to be my highest form of expression and yet - with the first call of a red-bird came the first doubt. His notes were as vital to me as the most subtle coloring in the sky; the manner in which he trilled or repeated his refrain as vital as the most rhythmical design, and if painter how record it? I might paint a setting for him identical with the season of the year when I would first hear him and paint him perched on a branch with his head lifted and throat swelled and title it “The Song of the Cardinal.” But would it be? As well might I execute a wonderful complicated design and called it a Music Drama from Wagner. It would give as much as it was intended.

     Today while on a trip I listed long