Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

23. clothes for Christmas.[i]

                   Dec. 9 – (Tues) –

     The full impact of war has hit me. “Fiddling” around in the studio.

     p.m. – To Buffalo

     Evening – Broadcast of President’s address.[ii]

                   Dec 10 – Dec. 30. –

Twenty days of confusion –

     My helplessness in the face of war, lasted until the end of the week – A comforting letter from Frank R. helped to clarify my mind, and what my relation to the struggle must be. He wrote that he felt very deeply and sincerely that I, and other artists should continue to paint as before.

     On Monday – Dec. 15 – I started the painting of “Christmas Night” – getting an excellent beginning – but after the one day of painting, the actual business of Christmas obtruded so much on my mind, that the painting has stood idle ever since.

But I made a number of small sketches as gift – for Berlins, F.R., Dr. Ehringers, and a small greeting for Samantha Redd. (who gives me the hand made ties) –[iii]

     On Friday  -  the 19^th– to Fredonia for girls. A clean warm, sunshiny day, no snow left – like November again – the green wheat-fields unchanged, the soft faded bloom of goldenrod un-flattened. Towards the end of the trip, the sun slowly faded into rising bank of cloud – first a brilliant glow, then a (n.d.), and finally only a vague shapeless spot of light.  – then final