Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

P.M. all of us (and Gerry) except B & A. – to Buffalo to see “Rebecca” – a fine-well done picture, brooding & sinister, and dramatic to the last very last. ; At bedtime B & I for walk – a half moon in the sky – clean sparkling air – spring peepers going full tilt. ; –xxx- Hepaticas out full today for the first time.Apr. 17 – Wed. (See Apr. 19 – A); A mild day. ; I indulged in “puttering” activities. In and out of the studio; working in the yard “cleaning up around the back porch; in the studio, writing, and playing Negro “spiritual” records. ; “Swing Son” and “Steal Away” recalled (with a pang) the 1918 pre–army spring, when I first awakened to human motives in my painting – of the March and April days spent around Tee-garden-windswept-clapboarded houses, with quickening marshes beyond them. ; Under an accumulation of leaves back of the house, I found still, some lumps of rice.; P.M. Catherine home with a dislocated finger – Dr. Fleming who straightened it, thought she ought to have an X-ray. Doubtful of this, I take her to Dr. Conden (Jim being in New York). He confirms my opinion.