Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

Mar. 10 – 1922 –; Lades & I to Booz’s – ; The first time I have really seen the approach of Death – because this man does not want to die – ; As halting and unnatural as his art is, to him there is the tragedy of leaving it unfinished. Tragedy is only a matter of relative volumes anyhow – ; Like a drowning man he grasps at me as a straw – in that he hands a picture onto me –; ; March 20, 1922 –; At the One – Arm – the hurried endless coming & going of “lunchers” – The lusty manner in which the counter men give there (sic) orders – They yell “one ar–egg –” which a harsh exaggerated rasping sound as tho they were cursing – they increased this little by little then drop back again into a milder tone, only to work up again to a harsh fortissimo. There is something admirable about this. ; The day is raw. Horses & wagons have a gaunt appearance –; It is interesting to stand & watch the faces of people as they go past.