Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

Dec. 5 – 1939 –; To Zoar Valley country sketching –; Snow begins to appear near Boston (none at Gardenville); Zoar Valley – studies of lace gable house porch –; Lunch on sideroad –; Painting old house with huge maples in front – a cold day – heavy gray clouds – brushes and sponge freeze, water clogged with ice-flakes – in spite of all these difficulties it is glorious to be painting again –; ; ; ; ; Dec. 6 – Wed –; Eyes bothered me so from painting yesterday I am convinced they are not right – So this A.M. Car to Justice for service, then to Hagen who recommends Lewin – a long stupefying wait – not out until 1:00 – (Dr. Bennett had my glasses too strong –) lunch at one-arm, then get car and home.; ; ; ; ; Dec. 7 –; B & I shopping – Late P.M. get new glasses –; Evening Washburn calls – says Rothenstein, director of Tate Gallery London wants to call. We settle on 11:00 AM tomorrow.Dec. 8 –; Rothenstein, with Mrs. Mitchell – discussing whether I had any pictures in England, I mention Gilbert Cannan who purchased two of mine long ago. One (Old House at Albany) for his fiancé who later broke off the engagement. She married someone else, went to S. Africa, but now is in England again – The other one was “Sunburst after Spring Rain” – Rothenstein said Cannan