Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

80. wheat.

     Balance of the afternoon spent in a futile search for the right kind of field, in the country between Marilla and Cowlesville.[i]

                   July 9 (Thurs.)

     To country north and east of Lancaster.

     A brilliant July day - exactly what I needed for my picture. First to Harris Hill Rd, and parked on Pleasant View Road near its junction with this road. Altho one is not conscious of any rise in elevation proceeding north of Lancaster, yet there must be some, for here there is a vast widespreading expanse to the southward - Flat it is, but more vast and thrilling than many a view from a high hill. The low hills south east of Lancaster were veiled with a thick milky blue-violet haze - the pale hot blue sky above, spotted with pale phantom like cummulus clouds, only visible by their pasty white crowns, and pale violet gray bases. In the immediate foreground, a beautiful field of wheat swayed and trembled luxuriantly in the hot sunlight. I made several drawings here, and ate my lunch before going on. Once a cat came slinking timidly along the edge of the field. I called to it; it wanted to make friends for it came clear up on the running board of the car, but could not overcome its fear, and finally wandered on. A young farmer boy went back and forth several times, and I felt that he was wanting to see what I was doing. Not wishing to be bothered I gave him no more encouragement than a pleasant "good morning" - tho I felt guilty about it.

     After lunch, eastward on Genesee St. A large wheat field on the North side; park and walk back to its north east corner. There I found exactly what I wanted for my field of wheat, and made many studies. It was a glorious moment, the sky by now